Judith Batchelar OBE

Judith is a Biochemist, nutritionist, holds Honorary Doctorates from Harper Adams University, Bangor University and Jharkhand Rai University and is a Fellow of the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) and the Royal Society of Arts and Manufacturers (RSA) and a liveryman at The Worshipful Company of Butchers.

Judith started her career in pharmaceuticals and teaching before finding her true vocation in food and farming. She worked in the food and drink industry for over 35 years starting in manufacturing at Bass and Mars, before moving into retail at Marks and Spencer. From 2004 to 2021 she worked for Sainsbury’s as Director of Sainsbury’s Brand driving the Product Quality and Innovation agendas, with responsibility for all aspects of Sainsbury’s customer offer, along with Corporate Responsibility, Sustainability, and Public Affairs.

Today Judith is Honorary President of the British Nutrition Foundation, Chair of both UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) and MicroSalt, she also sits on the European Advisory Council of The Nature Conservancy. Judith is a Non-Executive Director of Monaghan Mushrooms and Daemon and is a Trustee of The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. Judith is an ambassador for the Woodland Trust and Farm Africa.

From 2013 to 2018 she was Chair of the Governments’ AgriTech Council. She was awarded an OBE in 2015 for services to Farming and the Food Industry, and is a Commissioner on the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission.