NERC Council member
Judith Batchelar OBE is a member of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Council.
Judith has worked in the food and drink industry for over 35 years, starting her life in manufacturing before moving into retail at Marks and Spencer. From 2004 to 2021 she worked for Sainsbury’s as Director of Sainsbury’s Brand with responsibility for all aspects of Sainsbury’s product offer, from policy formation on aspects such as ethical and sourcing, through to product technology, development, safety, and packaging along with corporate responsibility and public affairs.
She is a biochemist, nutritionist, has an Honorary Doctorate in Agriculture from Harper Adams University, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Food Science and Technology, and the Royal Society of Arts and Manufacturers. From 2013 to 2018 she was Chair of the Governments’ AgriTech Council, and now sits on both the Food and Drink Sector, and Natural Environment Research Councils.
Judith is a Non-Executive Director of the Environment Agency, Chair of the Rugby Players Association and is a Trustee of The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Accounting for Sustainability and The Matt Hampson Foundation. Judith is also an ambassador for the Woodland Trust. 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.
Last updated: 1 September 2023