All articles by FPJ Staff – Page 176

  • Rains cause catastrophic losses
    Article

    Rains cause catastrophic losses

    2007-07-05T08:01:01Z

    Growers are reporting massive losses following the brutal floods of the past two weeks, and many are now calling on supermarkets to help shoulder part of the burden.

  • Today is F Gas day
    Article

    Today is F Gas day

    2007-07-04T16:01:01Z

    New regulations regarding the containment and recovery of F gases for growers and others operating refrigeration equipment, have come into effect today.

  • Article

    New finance package for horticultural businesses

    2007-07-04T14:01:01Z

    The Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (AMC) has launched a new Rural Business Loan, which can be used to fund any rural business, including horticulture

  • Article

    Mid-season aphid crash

    2007-07-04T12:01:01Z

    The number of beneficial insects seen in the south east of England this year has resulted in vegetable growers experiencing a ‘mid-season crash’ in the number of aphids appearing in their crops

  • Article

    Pensions for the self-employed

    2007-07-04T10:05:42Z

    There has been a groundswell of genuine concern in recent times surrounding pensions. Andrea Kirkby reports on what self-employed growers should know and how to make the most out of their savings.

  • Article

    Tranter cleans up

    2007-07-04T10:01:01Z

    Growers of protected crops conscious of saving energy are being pointed in the direction of Tranter International’s plate heat exchangers (PHE) for greenhouse disinfection equipment.

  • Robotany
    Article

    Robotany

    2007-07-04T10:00:11Z

    In the second of two features looking at how mechanised technology is helping growers become more efficient, Larry Saunders investigates how robotics is influencing the way that crops are produced.

  • Tasting the difference with top quality produce
    Article

    Tasting the difference with top quality produce

    2007-07-04T09:56:21Z

    Sainsbury’s product technologist for potatoes and core vegetables, Debbie Winstanley, talks to Elspeth Waters about what the supermarket expects from growers, her thoughts on extending the season, and environmental responsibility.

  • Article

    Red Tractor revs up to assure UK

    2007-07-04T09:50:44Z

    Growers’ recent efforts to raise awareness of duplication in farm audits seem to be paying dividends with the news that

  • All change at Defra
    Article

    All change at Defra

    2007-07-04T08:01:01Z

    Following David Miliband’s departure to pastures more exotic, Hilary Benn has been appointed by Gordon Brown to replace him as Defra Secretary of State.

  • Fides' Tamarinda Purple
    Article

    Euro flower power

    2007-07-03T16:01:01Z

    The latest round of European flower trials took place recently in the Netherlands, with a number of varieties catching the eye.

  • Article

    Horticruitment moves with the times

    2007-07-03T14:01:01Z

    Recruitment specialist Horticruitment has revamped its website as part of an overall company rebrand.

  • Article

    Defra to consult on emissions trading

    2007-07-03T12:01:01Z

    Detailed proposals for the implementation of the UK’s emissions trading scheme for large organisations in business and the public sector were set out last week by then climate change and environment minister Ian Pearson.

  • Article

    West Midlands' rural advantage

    2007-07-03T10:01:01Z

    Advantage West Midlands has announced its plans for continued improvements in rural areas of the West Midlands over the next three years.

  • Krys Zasada, head of markets for Manchester City Council
    Article

    Desperate for change

    2007-06-28T17:07:23Z

    Manchester’s New Smithfield Market has been in a state of limbo since the wholesale market’s redevelopment plans were announced. Nine years on, the master plan has been finalised and the council is confident that a developer will be appointed at the end of this year. The market’s traders have met this news with a mixed response, but everyone seems to agree on one thing - change is necessary. Elizabeth O’Keefe reports.

  • Carrots weather stormy season
    Article

    Carrots weather stormy season

    2007-06-28T17:07:18Z

    Torrential rainfall over the past few days has left some of the UK’s carrot growers unable to tend to their crops; nevertheless, the industry is confident that volumes will remain on an even keel and demand will push forward as the season pans out. Laura Gould reports.

  • John Crofts, Pangaean Ltd
    Article

    Take-off for airfreight facility Manchester

    2007-06-28T17:07:05Z

    Pangaean Ltd’s new airfreighted perishables handling and distribution centre has opened at Manchester Airport. The centre is the only one of its kind outside London in the UK, and is now offering fresh produce companies in the North West the same opportunities as those located in the South. Elizabeth O’Keefe met John Crofts, managing director of Pangaean, at Manchester’s World Freight Terminal to find out how he is bridging the gap between the North and South of the country.

  • New phase for Arndale Market
    Article

    New phase for Arndale Market

    2007-06-28T17:06:58Z

    After three and a half years in planning, the new Manchester Arndale Market opened in September last year. Elizabeth O’Keefe went to investigate what fresh produce the Manchester City Council’s “original market experience” has to offer.

  • A regional roam in Lancashire
    Article

    A regional roam in Lancashire

    2007-06-28T17:06:31Z

    In the first of our series of regional reports, FPJ takes a look at how Made In Lancashire (MIL), a government-funded organisation dedicated to the development and promotion of Lancashire’s small food producers, helps the region’s fresh produce industry. Elizabeth O’Keefe investigates.

  • Managing the future
    Article

    Managing the future

    2007-06-28T17:05:31Z

    The Management Development Services scheme has provided scores of managers to its fresh produce member companies since being established by a forward-thinking group in 1986. A link forged with Harper Adams University College now offers the trainees even more - the first work-based post-graduate certificate qualification in any UK industry sector. It could also change public perception about the fresh produce industry as a destination. Tommy Leighton reports.