NFU outlines priorities for fresh produce industry ahead of General Election

Any new Government must recognise it is much easier to maintain and develop the existing UK produce industry than lose it and have to recreate it later, and must put measures in place to help the sector thrive, the chairman of the NFU's horticulture board will tell a major conference today (Wed).

Sarah Pettitt will outline to the ADAS/Syngenta UK Vegetable Industry Conference and Exhibition what should be at the top of the 'to do list' for whichever party wins this year's General Election.

She will say: "We have a fresh produce industry to be proud of in this country producing fruit and vegetables that are second to none in terms of taste, quality and value for money. We need to ensure measures are put in place to help it compete and thrive."

Among the measures Ms Pettitt will identify are the need for a continued focus on research and development and, in particular, access to expertise and facilities that provide growers with the research they need to allow them to remain at the forefront of world production.

She will also outline the need to ensure that growers are able to plan confidently for the future knowing that they will have access to sufficient labour through a new SAWS scheme as well as schemes to encourage British nationals to take up seasonal work.

Ms Pettitt will also make reference to national planning policy and the vital importance of making sure that the rise in the importance of food security is reflected in it.

NFU Press Release

← Back to the Rural Kent News Index

This Winter 2010 News artile was created on 2nd February 2010

Directory

Upcoming Events