Opportunity to drive R&D through producer organisations, says Minister
Mr. Ward said: “There has never been a time when there has been a greater need for more R&D in the sector. At the present time the UK fresh produce industry only has a 50% share of the home market. With the advent of Brexit there is a huge opportunity for UK producers to increase market share through a process of import substitution. Increased R&D will play an important part in achieving this and Producer Organisations could provide an ideal focus for greater near market research.
“Better R&D and increased market share will inevitably lead to more investment in the sector, more operational activity, and ultimately more employment opportunities. Producer Organisations have proved to be a very successful mechanism for promoting cooperation in the fresh produce sector, and we need to start considering their future role once we leave European Union.”
The Brassica and Leafy Salad Conference is organised jointly by the UK Brassica Growers’ Association and British Leafy Salad Association. It takes place every two years. The whole conference was also addressed by Dr. Tina Barsby, CEO of NIAB, and Dr. Tim Lacey, Campaign Manager for Horticulture at Bayer CropScience, before splitting into two crop-based technical sessions.
For more information:
Peter Crowe
British Growers
Tel: 07967 504034
peter@peterccomms.co.uk
www.britishgrowers.org