James Hutton Institute scientist appointed Commissioner on Food, Farming and Countryside Commission

Professor Lorna Dawson, head of forensic science and principal scientist at The James Hutton Institute.

“It’s so important that we work together across the UK, while treasuring our many differences, and we work towards achieving a vibrant future for our farming systems, diverse food quality and our beautiful countryside. I'm delighted to contribute to the FFCC, a wonderful organisation making real positive differences on the ground"

The James Hutton institute’s head of forensic science, principal scientist Professor Lorna Dawson, has been appointed as a commissioner on the UK’s Food, Farming and Countryside Commission (FFCC).

The FFCC, which delivered the landmark Our Future in the Land report, before becoming an independent charity, is a leader in tackling the challenges faced by rural communities across the UK.

The James Hutton Institute has been supporting the work of the FFCC, both during the FFCC Inquiry hosted by the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) and now as an independent charity.

Professor Dawson especially has contributed to the FFCC’s work, including its Scotland Inquiry and subsequent report.

As a Commissioner and Co-chair, Scotland, Professor Dawson leads the FFCC’s work in its food, farming and countryside devolved Scotland programme. She also sits on the body’s research advisory group.  

FFCC chief executive Sue Pritchard, says, “I am delighted to welcome Lorna to join the FFCC Commission as a Commissioner. Lorna has led our work in Scotland as Co-Chair for FFCC Scotland for the last five years. This change reflects the Commission’s intention to strengthen our work across all four UK nations.

“Commissioners set and lead FFCC’s strategic direction, to find radical and practical solutions to the climate, health, nature and economic crises, through fairer more sustainable food and farming and a flourishing rural economy.”

Professor Dawson says, “It’s so important that we work together across the UK, while treasuring our many differences, and we work towards achieving a vibrant future for our farming systems, diverse food quality and our beautiful countryside. I'm delighted to contribute to the FFCC, a wonderful organisation making real positive differences on the ground."