With news of disastrous weather rarely out of the headlines, it's fair to say that 2012 was a mixed bag for the fresh produce industry. But with a new year comes a fresh start, and 2013 promises to be another important year for the industry.

'This year is vital for CAP reform,' says DEFRA secretary of state Owen Paterson. The new DEFRA chief says he's committed to working out the right negotiations with the EU over the next 12 months, calling it 'vital' that CAP reflects how UK agriculture operates from region to region, and backing a move for UK taxpayers to invest more into farming.

Looking ahead, Helen Dickinson, director general of the BRC, says it's imperative to keep up the pressure on the government for a business rates freeze this April. She adds she will also be keeping an eye on the Groceries Code Adjudicator, which now has the power to fine retailers that dictate unfair prices for food producers.

'Now the Adjudicator is going ahead, retailers want to ensure that it works well and is fair to all parties, and the government must ensure that its role is tightly defined and strictly limited to overseeing the Groceries Supply Code of Practice, so that costs don't spiral and become an even bigger burden on retailers.'

With torrential rain hurting potato growers last year and severe flooding leaving most of the crop still in the ground, you could forgive the Potato Council for remaining cautious, but director Dr Robert Clayton believes the potato industry can bounce back this year by working together.

'For the last couple of years we've been collaborating with the industry to find a way to educate and inspire shoppers on potatoes, developing a simple and intuitive classification,' he says. 'I hope we can help this co-operation to continue and grow in 2013, as blaming weather is one thing, but the industry must work together.'

A unique advertisement campaign fronted by British athletics legend Roger Black and exclusive produce partnerships with the likes of Iceland resulted in an exciting 2012 for Florette, and the bagged-salad giant says NPD will once again be at the core of the business in 2013.

Sandy Sewell, Florette's commercial director, explains: 'It is our investment in NPD and marketing that we believe will help generate sales growth in 2013 for the brand and category by exciting and engaging consumers. Through our latest consumer insight we have identified that the real opportunity for growth next year will come from increasing shopper frequency and it is this innovation and investment in marketing that will encourage shoppers to make additional purchases.'

Meanwhile, James Hallett, chief executive of the British Growers' Association, says it is now crucial for the fresh produce industry to monitor the impact of rain on soil health, as it continues to impact on yield over the coming 12 months.

Citing Sainsbury's recent £1.2 million investment in R&D for British farmers as a positive move, Hallett would like to see a rejuvenated interest from the government in domestic growers.

He concludes: 'British growers of fruit and vegetables have a great story to tell, and we must continue to communicate all the very positive aspects of the industry.'—