As we move towards drawing a line under 2007, and the industry works frantically to fulfil those last orders before Christmas, we draw breath to look back over the last 12 months with interest: mergers and acquisitions aplenty, some expected, and some not; increased awareness of global warming and buzzwords like carbon footprints and ethical trading discussed at every level across the nation, with whole communities going ‘carbon neutral’; and the industry embarking on an extensive debate on food miles and greenhouse gases, and the implications and opportunities of these issues for the industry.

A change of prime minister earlier this year brought its own challenges to our industry, and Gordon Brown’s commitment to the Kyoto Agreement and to Britain’s contribution by reducing carbon emissions below EU expectations could have serious ramifications for some fresh produce businesses. To assist members, we are working to develop a carbon footprint calculator to assist in further developing an industry strategy as part of the consultation process with Defra and the British Standards Institute. This will be another key FPC project in 2008.

We continue to work closely with Defra on your behalf, and are liaising on a regular basis to seek a solution to the latest PEACH problems. Despite the installation of new infrastructure, the problems continue; however, we hold a watching brief, and this matter must be urgently resolved.

The Eat in Colour campaign is celebrating the festive season with festive offsetting this Christmas. See

www.christmasoffsetting.com for details of the Christmas offsetting calculator. This site also provides useful healthy recipes and helpful tips to ensure your Christmas is a healthy one.

The FPC Annual Dinner at the Intercontinental on February 2 is drawing closer, and the final arrangements are in place. If you have not booked tickets yet there is still time, but you will need to hurry.

It remains for me, on behalf of the FPC team, to thank you for your support in 2007 and to wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year. I look forward to working with you in 2008.