Recent weeks seem to have given way to a multitude of predictions in the media - from forecasting a long, hot summer to a flu pandemic, and just about everything in between. While we hope the former is true and the latter is not, there can be no doubt that within our industry a prediction of the successful implementation of the ALV system this summer would be extremely welcome. My personal thanks to our members who have volunteered to pilot the scheme - your input is invaluable to the success of this process.

On behalf of the Re:fresh judging panel, which sat on May 1 to decide the finalists and winners of this year’s awards categories, I would like to thank all of you who submitted an entry. We received a record number of entries, the standards of which were higher than ever, and we have some great finalists. It is your commitment and support of this event that makes it so special. My thanks also to our judges, who worked extremely hard on Friday to agree results in each category. If you were unsuccessful this time, please don’t be put off - next year could be your year.

It was good to see many of you in New Covent Garden Market, Warrington and Peterborough with DEFRA to discuss Marketing Standards and we continue to liaise on your behalf. We were also pleased to be invited to present at the Council of Policy Advisors recently and to discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by the UK fresh produce industry within the boundaries of food security and sustainability.

The Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) and retailers have joined forces with the supply chain to prevent worker abuse. Today sees the launch of a three-month public consultation on the draft agreement between the retailers and the GLA with a view to bringing suppliers and all those affected into the initiative as equal and constructive partners. This is to ensure the protocol, once implemented, works fairly and effectively for all parties involved in the supply chain to maximise the protection of vulnerable workers. It is crucial that you have your say on this, so make sure you contact us.