Tributes have been paid to Peel Holroyd, who spent a lifetime working in the food and poultry industries, after he died on 21 December, following an illness.
Holroyd played a leading role in introducing standards on the farms supplying Marks & Spencer, an idea far ahead of its time. Although it was not universally popular at the time, his leadership paved the way for the introduction of farm assurance schemes such as Red Tractor.
In a long career, he worked variously within academia, industry and as a poultry industry consultant.
An alumnus of Harper Adams, Holroyd was instrumental in starting the Temperton Fellowship Award for Poultry Research which were awarded annually for 25 years for research a topic of importance to the industry. The chosen researcher reported to the industry and a copy of their report was placed in the House of Lords Library each year.
Holroyd was also a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Poulters.
A long time friend and associate Charles Bourns said: “He was a passionate supporter of the poultry industry and believed it could solve many of the problems of the world. He probably had the best book of contacts in the industry and will be missed by a very large number of people and organisations.”
He worked closely with the Royal Agricultural University and was a founder, chairman, and latterly honorary President of the RAU 100 Club. In an email to club members, the university said the RAU benefitted enormously from Peel’s commitment and hard work in making connections and helping people work together. To recognise his significant contribution to the RAU, Peel was awarded an honorary MRAU in 2016. “He will be much-missed by all at the RAU, among the 100 Club, the RAU alumni and friends community, and in the wider food and agriculture sectors.”