Simon Ferrigno

Simon Ferrigno is a writer and researcher focusing on cotton and sustainability, currently based in Derbyshire, UK.

He grew up in rural Provence, where he worked on farms and trained as a chef in the 1980s, including on an organic farm. Membership of the UNESCO club and encounters with industrial, irrigated farming, and the introduction of palm oil in catering increased his environmental and social awareness, as did opposing the rise of the “Front National” and being a volunteer in a local FM station during France’s experiments with liberalised local radio.

Moving to the UK after developing a back problem to study, he worked at the International Institute for Environment and Development and Pesticide Action Network UK before going freelance, working in particular with colleagues in Africa on a variety of projects. He now writes regularly for Ecotextile News, and consults with NGOs and brands.

He has travelled for research across Africa, Central Asia, India, Turkey and South America. His goal now is to encourage rapid action on climate change, and support for communities who are most affected and least responsible.

He is also chair of European Movement Derbyshire and in charge of helping a 9 year old navigate and explore her interests.