Fruit Focus has announced a packed programme for the event at East Malling Research in Kent on 25 July.
Organised by Haymarket Exhibitions and sponsored by Mack with FPJ as media partner, the one-day event is the UK fruit sector’s foremost technical and business occasion offering visitors a day full of practical advice and a strong forum programme.
Some 1,100 growers and industry professionals are expected to attend to catch up with the latest agronomy, machinery and technology developments and business advice on offer from 120 exhibitors.
Event director Jon Day of Haymarket Exhibitions said: “Fruit Focus provides a unique opportunity for established and new growers alike to update on the latest technologies and industry developments. It is also the ideal venue to exchange views and network with fellow producers. Fruit Focus 2012 is shaping up to be the most informative event yet.”
Food and farming minister Jim Paice will be joining NFU president Peter Kendall on the Fruit Forum platform to discuss progress made by the Fruit and Vegetable Task Force and the government’s agenda for securing a successful horticulture industry in the UK will be examined.
The forums, sponsored by NFU and Syngenta Bioline, also include an important debate on the impact of CAP reform for the UK horticulture sector with NFU senior CAP and international affairs adviser, Gail Soutar, and the new pest threat Drosophilia suzukii and its potential impact on the UK, with Fera principal entomologist Dr Ray Cannon.
In a new venture, melons are included in the Fruit Focus research tours run by event host East Malling Research. Fruit Focus principal sponsor Mack has been carrying out trials for two years and says British melons are in demand from major multiples and consumers.
The supermarket supplier returns as principal sponsor for the second year running. Executive chairman, Chris Mack, said last year’s success fully justified the firm’s continuing support.
“Fruit Focus is a key attraction for leading growers and we wanted to be a core part of it. We met plenty of new people last year and we look forward to meeting even more in July,” said Mack. “Our three-year commitment to the show is intended to demonstrate our long-term ambitions in this area, and our determination to build sustainable, mutually beneficial partnerships that last.”
In another first Fruit Focus has teamed up with Wine Skills, Plumpton College’s knowledge-transfer initiative, to provide two practical workshops on summer pruning and canopy management and pesticide application and Vines to Wines will run a session on setting up a vineyard.
Other marketing companies including Berry Gardens, which is also sponsoring the show, and Norman Collett will also be represented at the event.
As well as the fruit research tours and forum, there will be a demonstration area for machinery and other equipment.
Tickets are available from www.fruitfocus.co.uk/ticketing.
