The National Farmers' Union helped show the Food Standards Agency (FSA) how food progresses along the production chain last week.

Chairman of the NFU's horticulture executive Michael Holmes accompanied deputy chair of the FSA Suzi Leather on a tour of the chain from grower/packer KS Coles, to the produce's final destination – the shelves of a local Sainsbury's supermarket.

Commenting on the day, which was organised by the IGD and sponsored by Sainsbury's, Holmes said: 'This visit has highlighted the stringent standards our producers work to in order to meet the verification process.

It is hoped that this visit, which involved other food-related organisations, has furthered the dialogue we have with them so we can satisfy future market requirements of consumers.' KS Coles, based in Taunton, Somerset, produces and packs swedes, carrots, peas and French beans.