Tributes are being paid to Norfolk farmer and veteran journalist David Richardson, who died age 87 last month after a short illness.
Initially recruited by farmer and Anglia TV presenter Dick Joice for a series on rural affairs in 1960, Mr Richardson became one of the most influential voices in UK agriculture for over 60 years – all the while remaining a hands-on farmer.
Well-known and much-loved for his incisive interviewing style, he was a regular presenter of Farming Diary and Country People on Anglia TV – as well as presenting the BBC’s Farming Programme and On Your Farm.
Outside of his media work, Mr Richardson co-founded the Linking Environment and Farming charity, chairing LEAF for a decade. He also served as chairman of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association and was a director of Sentry Farming.
A critical friend of the farming industry, Mr Richardson repeatedly highlighted the importance of food security and was never afraid to ask difficult questions – especially of politicians.
Cambridgeshire farmer and former farm minister Jim Paice said: “David and I crossed paths and occasionally swords for many decades. His heart was always with our industry which could never have a stronger advocate.”