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Pioneering farmer becomes MBE in New Year Honours

BBC A TV still image of Duncan Farrington in a navy jacket with a red trim on the centre zipper. He has brown hair and is standing in an outdoor setting.BBC
The Cabinet Office said Duncan Farrington was a "role model to other farmers across the UK"

A pioneering farmer who created Britain's first seed-to-bottle cold-pressed rapeseed oil has been named on the King's New Year Honours list.

Duncan Farrington from Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, has been appointed MBE for services to agriculture and the food and drink industry.

Mr Farrington created Mellow Yellow in 2005 and in 2020 it became the first food product to be certified by the UN as plastic- and carbon-neutral.

The Cabinet Office said the 53-year-old was "a prominent voice in the promotion of regenerative farming techniques" and a "role model to other farmers across the UK".

Mr Farrington, who is also a fellow of the Royal Agricultural Society, was nominated for the honour two years ago by Johnny Wake, who farms at Courteenhall, near Northampton.

Farrington Oils, based at Hargrave, is a member of LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) - an organisation that promotes sustainable farming.

John Smith, who founded Cransley Hospice, was appointed MBE for services to palliative care.

Mr Smith, 78, of Kettering, Northamptonshire, established the palliative care centre in 1998 after committing himself to securing £1.5m of funding for a new hospice in the county.

The Cabinet Office said the nine-bed unit "would not exist" without his "drive and determination".

Cransley Hospice John Smith in a blazer with a blue chequered shirt. He is wearing eye glasses and has grey hair.Cransley Hospice
John Smith founded Cransley Hospice in 1998

Mr Smith said he felt "surprised" and "pleased" to be honoured.

"Hospices do more work outside of the hospice than they do inside… people get honours but places or organisations don't," he said.

"It's a very tough time [for hospices] and will be for the months, possibly years ahead. The advantage Cransley has [is] it's an NHS hospice supported by charitable funding."

Other people from Northamptonshire who have been honoured include:

  • Martin Pratt, from Northampton, is appointed CBE for services to children, young people and families in London
  • Sandra Dickens, from Northampton, the chief executive of Kidney Research UK, is appointed OBE for services to sufferers of kidney disease
  • John Smith, from Northampton, chief executive officer of GB Railfreight is appointed OBE for services to Rail Freight Transport

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