As it begins its 40th year, the Organic Research Centre (ORC) – the UK’s leading independent organic research body – has moved to new premises.
The relocation to Trent Lodge in Cirencester follows a rethink of the charity’s business model since the departure of long-standing CEO Nic Lampkin last year.
The decision was made to sell the ORC’s previous headquarters, Elm Farm near Newbury, with the aim that proceeds would provide long-term stability, a source of investment income for core funding, and scope to invest in the organisation for the future.
The new premises are situated next to the Royal Agricultural University (RAU), which will help boost the ORC’s industry relations and collaborative activities as well as providing a base for research.
Great opportunity
“We see this relocation as a great opportunity to enhance the ORC’s strategic links and positioning,” says Mike Turnbull, chairman at the ORC. “The majority of staff are moving with us and the team will be led by our new CEO, Lucy MacLennan. The ORC’s status as an independent charity won’t change.”
“We’re confident we can continue to be a driving force in the British organic movement from our new home”
Turnbull says the new three-year business plan builds on the ORC’s strength in combining scientific excellence with practical experience to deliver real benefits on the ground.
“A key part of the strategy is a change in our approach to securing contract funding, while maintaining our unique way of delivering research using participatory methods.
“A benefit will be greater control of the research agenda and less reliance on opportunities that funders happen to favour, although there’s a place for the latter as well, provided the work we bid for fits with our strengths. We’ll be investing some of the proceeds from the Elm Farm sale as ‘seed funding’ over the next two years to support the change.”
Challenging time for organic
ORC believes that organic faces a challenging time over the coming months. Biodiversity is under unprecedented pressure and the future for UK farming and food supply is uncertain in light of Brexit and the Agriculture Bill, it says.
“We’re confident we can continue to be a driving force in the British organic movement from our new home,“ concludes Mr Turnbull.