Meet the WIFF Ops Team

Like a black ops team but greener and friendlier, the newly formed WIFF ops team hope to deliver you more content, more events and more collaboration opportunities!

Come and meet them here…

I’m a Director at Grounded Research, a specialist food and agri market research agency. Though I grew up around farming as my family have farmed in Cambridgeshire for generations, having a younger brother, I never saw agriculture and the supply chain as a career path for myself until an unexpected twist and global pandemic brought me back. I am on a bit of a mission to make people see working in the food and agriculture is getting the recognition it deserves as one of the most dynamic and innovative sectors!

My background is in strategic marketing and communications…which comes in handy now I am on the steering group for the network and co-ordinate the events and communications. If you have any ideas, news or you or your organisation want greater involvement with what we do in some way, please let me know and I can make sure you get pointed in the right direction.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clareotridge/

I am a final PhD student in Soil Science at Cranfield University. I have volunteered to help the network with their newsletter and socials! So, if you see me sharing anything of interest on our linkedin/twitter, please do help me and share it with your own networks. Additionally, if you find there is something missing in the newsletter, or you have something to contribute, please let me know! I’m always open to suggestions. Feel free to connect with me on:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannielleroche/

Twitter: @dannielle_roche 

As a member of the steering group, I manage the organization and execution of all our events. With a background in AgriTech product management and strategic planning, I bring a wealth of experience and passion to showcasing the myriad opportunities within agriculture. My goal is to foster a supportive network for professionals in the industry. We are always on the lookout for inspirational speakers, themes, and excursions, so please let us know if you have any ideas.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eve-jefford/ 

EMMA CHAPELHOWE – REPORTING AND PROMOTIONS

“Emma is an advocate for open innovation, collaboration, and forging partnerships across industries. With a BSc in Environmental Biosciences from Aberystwyth University, her roots in the farming community run deep, having volunteered at farming events and working on local farms from childhood.

Emma pursued her passion further, earning a master’s degree in Crop Improvement from the University of Nottingham in 2018. Her academic journey continued with a Ph.D. in collaboration with Newcastle University and Fera Science Ltd., focusing on molecular diagnostics for plant pathogens and soil microbiomes. Prior to joining the UK Agri-Tech Centre, Emma honed her expertise in open innovation consultancy, where she assisted Fortune 500 and Global 1000 companies in horizon scanning, technology scouting, and landscape analysis. Her diverse background and commitment to driving innovation make her a valuable asset in the pursuit of agricultural advancement and collaborative solutions.”

Emma flies the flag for Women in Food and Farming and will be found drumming up support in the form of hosting our very own podcast and seeking out the interesting information and news from the sector.

Heidi’s passion is fostering sustainable systems within the agricultural industry, encouraging all stakeholders to make a real difference. 

‘I’m so excited to be working together with the Women in Food and Farming Network as partnership coordinator to build a community of strong women.’

I am an Insight Manager at Grounded Research, leading on agricultural market research projects, which combines my love for the countryside with my curiosity with finding out what farmers and the industry really think! I am very passionate about women’s inclusivity in agriculture, as having started my professional career as a farm consultant, it is an industry in which it can feel a little bit overwhelming being the only woman in a room full of men. In my spare time, you will find me either spending time with my four legged side-kick Pimms or at the gym!