Speakers
Francis BLAKE
Soil Association, Standards & Technical Director
After graduating with an Agricultural and Forest Sciences degree from Oxford University, I set up and ran for 10 years my own organic farm and fresh produce wholesale business in Somerset, where I still live. I wrote Organic Farming and Growing – a Guide to Management (Crowood Press) and founded the Organic Advisory Service in conjunction with Elm Farm Research Centre, serving as an advisor for 2 years.
I then joined Soil Association Certification, heading its Symbol Scheme for 12 years, and am now the Soil Association (charity) standards and technical director. I am also president of the IFOAM EU Regional Group (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements). My hobbies include all sorts of outdoor activities, beekeeping, world music and aikido (4th Dan black belt).