Chris has dedicated his career to the food supply chain, working for large supermarkets and dairy and beef processors as an Agriculture Sustainability Manager. In this role, he offers strategic agriculture insight into the sourcing of beef, lamb, poultry meat, and dairy. His focus includes managing supply chains, achieving high standards of animal health and welfare, and leading projects with producers to promote sustainable and environmentally progressive farming practices.

"I am the eldest of two siblings and I grew up in a close farming family, near the village of Hemyock in the heart of the Blackdown Hills in East Devon. While my parents worked long, hard days on the farm, my childhood was spent reaping the rewards of open spaces, close farming community, and the joys of living life in wellies. Helping around the farm with the sheep, pigs, dairy and beef cattle, helped me to learn the values of a strong work ethos.

I give credit for my success to my involvement with the Young Farmers movement, where I joined aged 15, eventually rising to the elected position of National Chairman. Young Farmers was also the foundation that led me to securing my degree in Agriculture at Harper Adams University and having the confidence to take a sabbatical year as the elected Student Union President."

As a Nuffield Farming Scholar, Chris recently presented his report titled 'Leading your farm to success, by knowing yourself, your team, and your community.

What changes do you want to see from the food industry in the transition to a sustainable system for nature, health and climate?

Recognition and appropriate action taken on the following:
+ Nutritional requirements that are truly needed for people to be healthy
+ True cost of a sustainable farming system (financially and practically)
+ Complexity and interdependency required to achieve a significant change in behaviour to achieve long term sustainability

What inspired you to agree to be part of our Farmer’s Advisory Board?

"I’m excited to learn, contribute and champion the positive contribution that a sustainable farming and food system can make to society."

Follow Chris:
Facebook - @chris.manley777
Instagram - @chris.manley777
Twitter - @chrismanley777