Warm Retirement Wishes to Head of Crop Protection & Agronomy, Hazel Doonan
This month, AIC is saying a warm farewell to Hazel Doonan (AIC Head of Crop Protection and Agronomy), who retires on Tuesday 29 May after more than 20 years with the organisation.
Hazel has worked for the AIC for over 20 years, leading policy work on behalf of Member businesses in the crop protection and agronomy sector. She joined AIC in 2004, bringing significant expertise in crop protection and agronomy, having previously worked for 18 years as a BASIS-qualified agronomist and holding responsibility for managing a regional agrochemical department within a national distributor business.
During this time, the crop protection and agronomy landscape has evolved considerably, both in terms of regulatory requirements and advances in technology and innovation. Hazel has played a central role in supporting Members to navigate these changes, representing their interests with Government and helping to shape legislation and guidance on the sustainable use of plant protection products (PPPs). Her work has contributed to protecting human and animal health, as well as the environment, while ensuring that Member businesses can continue to operate effectively.
Hazel has also been instrumental in supporting the development of the Voluntary Initiative (VI), an industry-led programme promoting the responsible use of PPPs through an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. Over the past two decades, this has included engagement with sprayer operators through the National Register of Sprayer Operators (NRoSO), the National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS), and the development of best practice guidance for agronomists. Her work has helped ensure that the industry continues to adopt best practice through a strong and consistent commitment to stewardship.
Alongside this, Hazel has supported the sector in responding to increasing use of data and technological innovation in crop production, helping Members adapt to more sophisticated approaches to agronomic decision-making, including soil analysis, pest and disease prediction, weather forecasting and satellite imagery.
Throughout her time at AIC, Hazel has been a constant presence in committee work, producing an impressive 295 sets of committee meeting minutes! An achievement that reflects both her dedication and her deep engagement with Members across the sector.
Ellie Vinnicombe joins AIC
Ellie Vinnicombe has now joined AIC as Hazel’s successor and will be meeting Members and stakeholders over the coming weeks. Ellie joins from CropLife UK, where she was Policy and Regulatory Manager.
Prior to this, she gained experience as a Senior Regulatory Affairs Consultant and through field trials work involving plant protection products.
Ellie said: “I’m delighted to have joined AIC at such an important time for UK agriculture. Although the sector is facing a number of challenges, there are also real opportunities to drive innovation and sustainable growth. I’m looking forward to working closely with our Members as we navigate these changes together and continue building a resilient agri-supply chain.”
Ellie holds a Master’s degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Sheffield, specialising in plant pathology.
With Hazel’s departure, AIC will continue to support Members through this transition.
The AIC would like to thank Hazel for her significant contribution over many years, her professionalism, and her unwavering commitment to Members, and wish her a long, happy and well-deserved retirement.
Author
Wendy Ford
Wendy Ford is Communications Manager at AIC, creating and overseeing the content published on AIC's website, emails, Member briefings, print publications, and social media.
