Donald Thomas Younger Curry, Baron Curry of Kirkharle, served as a crossbench life peer in the House of Lords from 2011 until 2026. A farmer and entrepreneur, he held a central role in shaping British agricultural policy and oversight, including leading a major commission on the future of food production for the Secretary of State.
Agricultural Policy and Oversight
Curry chaired the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food, a body known as the Curry Commission. This work involved drafting a report for the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Beyond his policy work, he served as the chair of NFU Mutual between 2003 and 2011 and acted as the non-executive chair of the Better Regulation Executive.
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Following the recommendation of the House of Lords Appointments Commission, he was created a life peer on 13 October 2011. He was officially introduced to the House of Lords on 24 October 2011, with Lord Plumb and Baroness Byford acting as his supporters. During his tenure, he was a member of the all-party parliamentary group Christians in Parliament and participated in debates regarding legislation, including the 2025 Assisted Dying Bill.
Charitable Work and Personal Life
In 1976, Curry married Lady Rhoda. They raised three children: Jonathan, Craig, and Jane. Following their experience caring for their daughter Jane, who was born with a severe learning disability and died at age 42 in 2014, the couple established the charity At Home in the Community in 1990. Curry served as chair of this residential care provider for 25 years.
Professional Recognition
Curry received public recognition for his contributions to British industry and public life. He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 1997 New Year Honours. Subsequently, he was created a Knight Bachelor in the 2001 Birthday Honours.
Fast facts
- Born: 4 April 1944
- Title: Baron Curry of Kirkharle
- CBE Awarded: 1997
- Knighted: 2001
- House of Lords Service: 2011-2026
- Spouse: Lady Rhoda
- Charity Founded: At Home in the Community (1990)
Questions readers ask
What was the Curry Commission?
It was the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food that produced a report for the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Did Lord Curry engage in charity work?
Yes, he and his wife Rhoda co-founded At Home in the Community in 1990 to provide residential care, an organization he chaired for 25 years.
Achievements
- Commander of the Order of the British Empire — 1996
- Knight Bachelor
