EurepGAP has taken steps to improve its communication with its members and the industry as a whole. The global partnership for safe and sustainable agriculture has published its first newsletter, which is freely available.

Independent chairman of EurepGAP Nigel Garbutt said the newsletter 'has been created to enhance the understanding of the vital work that EurepGAP carries out as its global reach increases'.

He added: '..change continues to sweep through the structure of the fresh fruit and vegetable sector. Additionally, there is increasing legislation which sets the parameters within which it must operate. For these reasons I believe we must become increasingly active as well as vigilant. New challenges are already leading to new disciplines. In many cases they have been brought about by the demands of consumers themselves.' It is against this background, Garbutt explained, that the EurepGAP steering committee has introduced the newsletter, which is 'part of our pledge to make the EurepGAP voice heard even more strongly'. The regular publication of news and case study reports that illustrate the practical progress being made should promote greater understanding of the objectives and practices of the organisation. It is hoped the newsletter will become a benchmark of the progress of EurepGAP and encourage more individual companies of all sizes to jump on board.

'Its success will strengthen our already respected voice when influencing discussions alongside national and international governmental organisations or explaining our role to NGOs,' said Garbutt.

'I am often asked how it is possible to achieve harmonisation when growers can vary so much in type, structure, scale and geographical location. This does not even account for the diversity and growing conditions of the crops.

'On the surface they all present different scenarios, but growers, packers and distributors share a common goal embodied in EurepGAP, and can learn from each other.'

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