New Voluntary Initiative Chairperson announced

20 January 2025

The Voluntary Initiative (VI) announces award-winning East Fife mixed farmer, David Bell as its new Chairperson

Ruth Bailey, Head of the Agricultural Engineers Association and Chair of the Voluntary Initiative (VI) CIC Board, representing the eight VI sponsor organisations, announced the appointment of David Bell ARAgS as the new VI Chair.

“After a rigorous recruitment process with an exceptional pool of candidates, we are delighted to welcome Dave to the role of VI Chair,” Ruth stated. “Dave brings extensive experience as both a farmer and an industry advocate. As a mixed farmer in East Fife, managing enterprises in cereals, beef, potatoes, and environmental initiatives across his own and contract-farmed land, he offers a deep understanding of innovative and practical farming. His leadership in the broader rural sector makes him ideally suited for this role.”

Ruth also expressed her gratitude to the outgoing Chair, Phil Jarvis, for his contributions over the past four years. “Phil has built on the VI’s previous successes, positioning the organisation strategically as a leader in promoting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to achieve sustainable farming while enhancing environmental stewardship.”

Dave Bell thanked the sponsor organisations for the opportunity and shared his vision for the future. “I am excited to work with the Voluntary Initiative sponsors, Defra, VI Champions, and a broad group of stakeholders. Landscape management is entering an exciting and challenging era where food production and environmental protection are increasingly vital to society,” he said.

“My focus will be on finding solutions to challenges, removing barriers, and fostering collaboration to promote practices that ensure both farming and the environment thrive.”