Richard Young (activist)
Richard Young (1950 – 2023) was a British activist.
Biography[edit]
Born in Moreton-in-Marsh, Cotswolds, Young was raised in a farming family, where he developed an early interest in agriculture.[1][2] He initially practiced conventional farming methods at Swell Hill Farm, which he took over after declining a university education in veterinary medicine.[1]
His transition to organic farming was influenced by personal experiences, including his mother's health issues and an encounter with Sam Mayall, a proponent of organic farming. This change marked a significant shift in his career towards sustainable agriculture and animal welfare advocacy.[1]
Young was known for his campaigns against the misuse of antibiotics in intensive farming, a movement that began in the 1990s.[1] His efforts contributed to the EU's eventual ban on routine farm antibiotic use and the founding of the Alliance to Save Our Antibiotics.[1][3]
Young was involved with British Organic Farmers and the Organic Growers' Association, and played a key role in developing organic livestock standards for the Soil Association.[1][3] Young's work was recognized in various media outlets, including BBC Radio 4, and he was a frequent speaker at farming conferences.[1]
At his family's farm, Kite's Nest, Young implemented organic farming practices early on, influencing the sector significantly.[1] His farm was noted for its approach to animal husbandry and biodiversity.[1]
His final work, on the role of grazing animals in sustainable food systems, was published posthumously.[1]
Young died in 2023.[4]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Holden, Patrick (October 10, 2023). "Richard Young obituary". The Guardian.
- ^ "Wise Farmers: Richard Young - Farms Not Factories". November 1, 2023.
- ^ a b "Alliance to Save Our Antibiotics | In memory of Richard Young". www.saveourantibiotics.org.
- ^ Halliday, Victoria (September 19, 2023). "In memory of Richard Young (1950–2023) - Sustainable Food Trust".