The committee for the 2009 Under 40s Conference, taking place in Leipzig on January 28-31, is delighted to announce additional funding for this year’s conference from new sponsors.

The South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) has stepped in with a generous grant from the Land Based Support Programme, which backs farming businesses in the South East.

Jeremy Bolas, Land Based sector advisor, said: “SEEDA is pleased to be able to support the next generation of leaders in the fruit industry.”

The South East Sustainable Food and Farming group has also stepped in with funding to support the conference.

Shaun Leavey, chairman for the South East region, said: "The sort of activity which the U40s Fruit Growers Conference promotes is exactly what our board wants to see happening within the region's land-based sector.

"Fruit growing in the South East has to remain highly competitive. That is why we are supporting work by a young Hampshire apple grower, William Wolmer, to research techniques on the Blackmoor Estate that mitigate climate change. Getting acquainted with the way other growers operate is crucial and I will be delighted if the board's modest contribution to the conference costs helps make this event a success for all concerned."

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