POs could provide an opportunity to drive forward research and development in fresh produce, Defra minster George Eustice has said.
Eustice was speaking at the Brassica and Leafy Salad Conference this week in Peterborough. And the remarks were welcomed by Jack Ward, chief executive of the British Growers Association.
Ward said: “There has never been a time when there has been a greater need for more R&D in the sector.
“At the present time the UK fresh produce industry only has a 50 per cent share of the home market. With the advent of Brexit there is a huge opportunity for UK producersto increase market share through a process of import substitution.
“Increased R&D will play an important part in achieving this and Producer Organisations (POs) could provide an ideal focus for greater near market research.”
Ward is confident that improved R&D and increased market share will “inevitably lead to more investment in the sector, more operational activity, and ultimately moreemployment opportunities.”
He stressed that the UK needs to start considering the future role of Pos when Britian leaves the UK, saying that they have proven “a very successful mechanism for promoting cooperation in the fresh produce sector”.
The Brassica and Leafy Salad Conference is organised jointly by the UK Brassica Growers’ Association and British Leafy Salad Association. It takes place every two years.
The conference was also addressed by NIAB’s CEO Tina Barsby and Tim Lacey, campaign manager for horticulture at Bayer CropScience.
No comments yet