Farmer and television presenter Jimmy Doherty has accepted an exciting new role as the Chancellor of Writtle University College in Essex.
He will take over from the outgoing Chancellor, Baroness Jenkin of Kennington.
The Chancellorship is an unfunded honorary role with the holder acting as the ceremonial head of the institution, presiding at major events in the University College year such as graduations and prize-givings.
Jimmy Doherty is a long-standing advocate of putting science into practice, he gained a degree in animal biology and a PhD in ecological entomology before launching his own farming career.
In 2003, Jimmy created The Essex Pig Company with the aim of using traditional, free-range meat production practices to rear endangered British breeds and, in 2016, became the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s youngest president to date.
He has worked with the BBC and Channel 4 to educate the public on food production, animals and the agriculture sector.
Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park in Suffolk features over 80 species and breeds from crocodiles, camels and capybara to pigs, and guinea pigs
Jimmy said: “I am delighted to join Writtle in this role – we share the same passion for developing opportunities for young people to enter the industry and I look forward to work with the University College, not only in the ceremonial aspects of the role, but also in developing exciting opportunities to extend their learning through research, work experience and community projects”.
