Soil Association director Patrick Holden has announced he is to step down from his role in September.

Mr Holden, who has been director for 15 years and worked for the association for more than 20 years, said he wanted to spend more time promoting sustainable farming internationally.

“It has been an enormous privilege to serve the Soil Association over a period where interest in organic and sustainable food enjoyed tremendous growth and I should like to pay tribute to all those who have made my job so stimulating and rewarding over the years,” he added.

“The Soil Association is in my DNA and I will remain deeply committed to the organisation and its philosophy and principles for the rest of my life.

“It is because of the importance of these issues and against the background of growing concern about the security and fragility of our food systems, that I wish to give more time to work on an international level to accelerate the transition towards more sustainable food systems.

“I see this work as being closely aligned to the ongoing work of the Association, which I will continue to strongly support.”

Orna Ni-Chionna, Soil Association chair of trustees, said Mr Holden would bring “urgently needed impetus” to international initiatives.

“We are delighted that we will still have opportunities to work closely together.”

A successor for the role will be announced after it had been publically advertised.