Retailers, manufacturers and suppliers must collaborate to secure sustainable supply chains if Yorkshire and Humber's food and drink industry is to overcome the challenges ahead, was the message from the Farexchange Programme's annual conference at Oulton Hall in Leeds last week.

Secure, efficient food supply chains are vital for boosting productivity and entering new markets against a backdrop of volatile prices, a shortage of commodities caused by climate change and a ballooning global population.

Collaboration, best practice and increasing output in a world changed by the recession featured high on the agenda at Farexchange's Yorkshire Food in a Challenging World event, supported by Yorkshire Forward, which attracted leading food professionals, including speakers from Northern Foods, Asda and DHL.

English Farming and Food Partnerships (EFFP) chief executive, Siôn Roberts, said: "It will not be back to business as usual once this recession is over. Only by farmers and food companies working together can we deliver the right solutions and increase output to cope with demand."

Northern Foods' director of corporate responsibility, Paula Widdowson, and Agricultural development manager of Asda, Pearce Hughes, both echoed Roberts' sentiments about the importance of collaborative supply chains in the drive for growth, and the benefits they provide for everyone involved.

Farexchange operations manager Paul Rhodes concluded by telling delegates that focusing on secure supply chains is crucial for the future prosperity of farmers and food companies in Yorkshire.

Since its launch 12 months ago, the Farexchange Programme has already initiated innovative food and drink supply chains within the region, and 2010 promises to be just as busy with many more projects in the pipeline.

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