News

Regenerative Viticulture Foundation appoints for new role

10 May 2023 By James Evison

Non-profit organisation the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation (RVF) has appointed Becky Sykes as its first programme manager.

Programme manager at the RVF, Becky Sykes (image courtesy of the RVF)

With responsibility for research, education and engagement, Sykes will develop the “resources and community network needed to support and connect producers – wherever they are in their regenerative journey”, the organisation said.

The role also includes managing research projects and engaging wine educators to spread both awareness and understanding of the benefits of regenerative viticulture.

Sykes recently studied for an MSc in Viticulture & Oenology, and has practical experience from Ridgeview Wine Estate and Plumpton College. The RVF also aim to take advantage of her previous career as a public affairs PR consultant and expertise in stakeholder engagement for meeting the foundation’s aims, it said.

The RVF, which is a non-profit organisation dedicated to restoring soil health in the world’s vineyards, RVF launches and has attracted funding and endorsement from founding supporters such as Berry Bros & Rudd, Château de Berne, Famille Perrin, Jackson Family Wines, Maison Mirabeau, MDCV and Moët-Hennessy.

A global group of wine producers, scientists, ecologists and consultants, the foundation is keen to stress that regenerative agriculture is not a new or revolutionary way of farming, but rather a way to “describe farming principles that are restorative rather than extractive, and work in concert with nature rather than against it”.

Stephen Cronk, Chairman of the RVF, said of the appointment: “We are proud of the positive response the foundation has generated in the year since we launched and it has been particularly heartening to see that major players in our industry are keen to get involved.

“As we continue to grow, it is essential that we empower our community by giving producers the practical support they need to put regenerative techniques into practice. We are delighted to be welcoming Becky to the team at such an exciting moment.”