The recent Marketing for Farmers & Growers Conference run by the Long Sutton Agricultural Society touched on a wide range of themes including industry growth, supply and local sourcing.

The conference, attended by some 120 delegates, was held at the East of England Show Ground and was staged to help local producers improve their promotional skills.

Economist for Clydesdale Bank, David Tinsley explained the significances of the world economy and warned that investment spending will be cut back, food and agriculture is unlikely to escape the downturn, export markets are being hit and

domestic markets are under pressure.

Tinsley pointed out there will be a focus on value, in the medium term the economy should recover when this occurs, the sector is well placed to gain from the expanding demands particularly with the fall of sterling.

TV Chef Rachael Green also made an appearance speaking of her passion fort local foods, being a Lincolnshire farmers daughter she grew up collecting eggs, lambing ewes, vining peas, is proud of her close relationship with growers and the farming world and

passionately promotes, branding and local food at every opportunity.

Nationwide Produce managing director Tim O’Malley tackled the issue of brand markets, declaring choice of grower and customers is the most important factor in continuity of product as well as diversification of product range, avoiding heavy investment in production and transport and understanding customers need for size grading and quality.

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