For my sins - and I promise you they are few - I have a degree in European Business Studies. Which naturally makes me somewhat sceptical of efforts to harmonise standards across the EU.

I say naturally because if you, like me, had been forced to read some of the nonsense that emanates from the European Commission’s halls of power, you’d be sceptical too. A united Europe is a fine idea in principle. In practice, it is about as united as the shareholders of a certain football team from Manchester.

Why then, when there is unanimity on an issue - as there appears to be in the debate over regulatory changes to apple grading [page 1], does the Commission not simply sigh with relief and follow its members’ wishes?

The decision to fly in the face of the industry’s views and press on with global harmonisation measures that, unless researched beforehand, could have serious regional repercussions, is nothing if not predictable.

Yes, there is more than a year to shape the regulations into a one-size-fits-all arrangement. But if research was carried out before the decision-making, the process would surely be far less painful.

• On a brighter note in Europe last week, Fruit Logistica was once again an extremely impressive and well-run affair. The sheer scale of the exhibition certainly boggled my mind. I have often commented on the disappointing lack of British exhibitors and visitors at overseas events, so it is only fair to report that it was encouraging to see the numbers of people from these shores in Berlin this year.

There is no argument over Fruit Logistica’s claim to be the biggest fruit and vegetable event on the European map, and having communicated its message throughout the world, the supply chain has cottoned on. It is now an unmissable exhibition and an invaluable annual meeting point for the entire trade.