ICOP, the annual International Conference of Producer Organisations (POs) operating within the fresh fruit and vegetable trade is due to take place again on 25-26 November in Vienna, Austria.
Hosted for the fifth time by Austrian consultancy gfa, the watch-word at this year’s event will be 'responsibilities', with attention set to be placed on the term's different meanings within the agrarian economy and the food sector.
Speakers already confirmed include: Roland Waardenburg, vice-president of corporate responsibility at Dutch retail group Ahold; Rudy Van der Stappen, department head of unit at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development; Marc Evrard, market development director at Belgian producer organisation BFV; and Frans van Dijk, general director of Holland-based fresh produce auction ZON.
'Responsibilities is a key word that especially concerns the food industry,' explains gfa chief executive Wolfgang Braunstein. 'Responsible thinking and acting - considering the present time as well as the future - is also a basic factor for the success of POs.'
According to Mr Braunstein, ICOP's varied and detailed programme provides those working in European fruit and vegetable producer organisation with some of the useful tools they require to gain experience and knowledge of the trade when faced with ongoing global economic challenges.
Several key speakers from some of Europe's leading producer organisations, including marketers, strategists, researchers and quality managers, will be on hand at the conference to offer their insight, ask vital questions and anticipate future trends in the fruit and vegetable sector.
The event will also include workshops on topics including sustainability and dealing with periods of crisis.
According to gfa, more then 100 participants from across Europe are due to attend ICOP, where they will also be able to enjoy extensive opportunities to meet and network with colleagues from across Europe.
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