With the recent arrival of the first big freeze of the season - love it or hate it, the UK countryside is looking decidedly festive. Irrespective of how much notice the Met Office provides, the same old news bulletins abound with closed roads, schools, airports - and of course, whether UK growers will be able to fulfil consumer demand for the most seasonal of vegetables, the Brussels sprout.

The history of this cruciferous vegetable is somewhat vague beyond the 13th century when it was grown extensively in an area surrounding Brussels and then introduced to the British Isles in the late 18th century, though some sources believe it originates from ancient China. A great source of vitamins A and C, iron, potassium and fibre, campaigns have been prolifically undertaken to encourage us to eat more extensively but the fact remains that 70 per cent of annual sales occur within a two- to three-week period and for most of us, Christmas lunch wouldn’t be the same without sprouts. One of the most divisive of vegetables, just the thought of which can evoke vividly unpleasant childhood memories of overcooked, pale green offenders staring up from the plate at the Sunday lunch table, but at least we have progressed on both presentation and taste.

For those of you who are confused by recent updates on the future of the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme, we sought further clarification from our department of health contact. The scheme remains in its current format for the next financial year, from 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012. Discussions will take place during 2011-12 to look at the future with regard to the changing NHS structure and the public health ring-fenced budget, within the context of the Public Health White Paper due shortly. Any change will happen from 1 April 2012 for the 2012-13 financial year.

I would like to thank you for your support in lobbying the government and we will continue to make every effort to secure the future of this very important initiative.

Visiting D&F McCarthy recently was an absolute joy. Situated on the outskirts of Norwich, this has to be one of the most impressive new sites I have seen in a while. A remarkable family business dating back to the 1800s, photographs on display of the original McCarthy market stall contrast starkly with the smart contemporary surroundings of the new site. This great wholesale business is expertly managed by the four McCarthy brothers, whose combined expertise and innovative approach to the industry and future opportunities is a real recipe for growth. We were so impressed and we think you would be too so we will be organising an FPC members’ visit in 2011 to look around and discuss the industry issues of the day.

I wish you all a great month of trading and as much festive cheer as your liver will allow. Happy Christmas!