We will be offering a series of free one-day seminars to UK importers, wholesalers, growers, packers and retailers to promote understanding of the implications of rising energy costs and provide a practical approach in identifying and implementing energy cost saving measures.

Each seminar will cover understanding the energy scene, energy legislation and policy, energy audits and opportunities, energy procurement, monitoring and targeting and energy awareness campaigns.

Above all, the seminars will highlight the potential for serious cost-savings and will be well worth attending for anyone in the fresh produce industry.

The seminars will be facilitated by the Energy Information Centre and are taking place thanks to support from the Carbon Trust.

The dates will be as follows (venues to be confirmed):

• March 16 - Peterborough

• March 21 - Kent

• March 23 - Warwick

• March 28 - Bristol

• March 30 - Glasgow

EAT IN COLOUR

The proposed Eat in Colour promotional campaign generated a good response from the industry and included the muscle of Asda and Tesco, however, it has been disappointing to note that the majority have left it to the minority to commit to action that will benefit the whole industry.

A meeting of key stakeholders held yesterday (February 9) will decide on the next steps needed to take this forward and we will keep you updated on progress.

RESPONSE TO DEFRA

On behalf of the potato packing companies, the FPC has made a response to the Defra consultation on Rosemary Radcliffe’s Review of the Agricultural and Horticultural Levy Bodies as it related to the British Potato Council and the potato sector. Please contact Douglas Pattie at the FPC if you would like a copy of the FPC response.

THANKS

Our thanks go out to all those who have expressed their best wishes for a quick recovery for Nigel Jenney. We are delighted to report that he is well on the road to recovery and will soon be back with us.

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