2008
Baroness Hazel Byford of Rothley DBE
Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science in recognition of her outstanding contribution and commitment to agriculture and rural life.
Baroness Hazel Byford, until 2007 the Shadow Minister in the House of Lords for Food and Rural Affairs, has dedicated her career to supporting farming, rural communities and wildlife conservation. An agricultural college alumna and former poultry farmer, she retained her links with farming throughout her rise to political eminence and has won widespread respect for her insights into crucial issues facing the rural economy today.
Created a life peer in 1996, Lady Byford is a leading light in organisations such as the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers, the Farming and Countryside Education Strategy group, the Rural Stress Network, the Village Retail Services Association, the National Farm Attractions Network and the Woman’s Food and Farming Union. She is also an honorary associate member of the British Veterinary Association and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. At a time when our society has become increasingly urbanised, Baroness Byford has been a powerful force in improving education about the countryside, underlined by her association with our University's School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences.