The Fresh Produce Consortium is co-ordinating industry response in two Parliamentary Committee inquiries.

The Communities and Local Government Committee is carrying out an inquiry into traditional retail markets. The inquiry will focus on changes over the last 10 years, looking at trends and obstacles, potential growth, and the role of central and local government to support markets. The committee is seeking evidence in these areas by January 19 and FPC members are invited to contact the consortium with their response.

FPC will also be providing written evidence to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee for its inquiry Securing food supplies up to 2050: the challenges for the UK. The committee is investigating how robust the UK food system, whether the country is well placed to take up any new opportunities, and Defra’s role in ensuring that the strengths of the UK food system are maintained.

Furtther information on both enquiries is at http://www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_committees/