My mother, who was English, ensured that I had a traditional British education, which started in 1955, included four years at Uppingham School then proceeding to the Essex Institute of Agriculture. In 1970 I left college with a National Diploma in Agriculture. My employment in farming started in 1971. In addition to the technical and managerial aspects of farming I participated in Farmers Union activities. I became involved in Suffolk local politics. My experience in Poland includes managing a former state farm and being elected to the Lubuskie Chamber of Agriculture. Being elected to the Chamber of Agriculture involved liaison with local government authorities. Later I had power of attorney to represent the foreign owners of two entirely unrelated companies in Poland.