An “exceptional” organic pioneer from Dôl-y-bont has been recognised with the eighth Purple Plaque in Wales.

The Purple Plaques campaign was created to improve the recognition of remarkable women in Wales and award them with a plaque to commemorate their achievements and cement their legacy in Welsh history.

Dinah Williams, who sadly died in 2009, lived a life “dedicated to the land and all it supports”.

A spokesperson for Purple Plaques Wales said: “She followed her childhood ambition to be a farmer and followed her principles and belief in the power of nature, and the need to look at the complete food chain to improve human health.

“She believed that early nutrition of any young organism is fundamental and that this applies to all living things, from plants, through animals to humans.

“This in its turn governs how the soil should be managed to produce food.”

Dinah is now the eighth Purple Plaque in Wales, unveiled on the cow byre at her home, Brynllys, Dôl-y-bont, today.

In 1952, Dinah became one of the earliest members of the Soil Association (SA), going on to become a SA Council member in the 1970s, and her farm, Brynllys, became Britain’s first certified organic dairy farm.

She went on to farm with her daughter Rachel, co-founder of Rachel’s Organic.

In the mid 1970s, Dinah was instrumental in setting up the West Wales Soil Association, hugely influential in organic development in the UK. Dinah was also the president of the English Guernsey Cattle Society, fellow of the Royal Agricultural Society, lifelong member of the Grassland Society, and vocal contributor to the local NFU.

Not only was she a pioneer in the organic movement, but she was also a pioneering woman in “very much a man’s world”.

Dinah’s daughter Rachel Rowlands said: “Today is a very proud occasion for our family to see our mother’s contribution to the organic movement celebrated with this Purple Plaque.

“She continues to be an inspiration to all who knew her and were guided by her wise ways.”

Sue Essex, chair of Purple Plaques Cymru said: “Purple Plaques is a small voluntary organisation which is dedicated to remembering and celebrating remarkable women who have lived in Wales.

“Our aim is to have purple plaques for women from all walks of life across the country. There are so many women with inspiring stories who deserve to be remembered in Wales.”