Mark Kibblewhite, Principal of MK Soil Science based in Beaminster, Dorset, and an Emeritus Professor at Cranfield University, is the new President of IAgrE.
Mark, a Fellow of IAgrE since 2002, specialises in the assessment and management of soil resources. He has 35 years’ experience in agricultural and environmental sciences, gained in industry, government and universities.
At Cranfield he was Head of the Natural Resources Department and Director of the National Soil Resources Institute. Other former roles have included being Chair of the European Soil Bureau Network, Head of Land Quality at the Environment Agency and Managing Director of the Environment Division of Hyder Consulting.
He graduated in chemistry from York University, did a PhD in soil science at Aberdeen and has an MBA from Cranfield. He is a chartered environmentalist and chartered chemist.
Commenting on his appointment Mark said: “IAgrE members’ expertise and skill underpins the current growth in the land-based industries and is critical for meeting the challenges of future food security and climate change adaptation. I am privileged to serve as the IAgrE President and will be working hard to develop this successful Institution further.”
Mark takes over the President’s role for two years and the new President Elect is Dr Robert Merrall whose specialism is technology for sustainable agriculture. Rob spent his early career in agricultural engineering research at Cranfield University before working in roles with the Renault Group, as a director of two major UK farm equipment distributors and as a director of the Royal Agricultural Society of England.
Rob now works closely with the Technology Strategy Board in the delivery of the Agritech Strategy, and said of his appointment, “I am delighted to have been appointed and look forward to supporting Mark in his Presidency at what is a very exciting time for everyone in our sector.”
