The Parliamentary British Fruit Industry Group is appealing to the UK produce industry for more support.

Organisers told the Journal that it wants more growers and representatives from grower organisations, marketing co-operatives, retailers, research bodies and educational establishments, to join as associate members to the group, which informs MPs on matters affecting the fruit industry.

The all-party group was set up in 1994. It is made up of 10 members from the government and 10 from opposition parties. Some 100 MPs and members of the House of Lords are also invited to meetings and receive minutes after events.

Associate members take an active part in discussions at meetings, which over the last two years have covered the agricultural wages board, the effects of the water bill, research in fruit, and organic issues.

The subscriptions, needed to fund activities, are £10 for an individual grower, £25 for an organisation or institution and £100 for large companies. Tesco and Marks & Spencer are both supporters.

The latest meeting was held on Tuesday evening at the House of Commons. Doug Henderson, ceo of the Fresh Produce Consortium, gave a presentation on the Bangor Project to the audience. In it, he re-emphasised the importance that the government's national fruit for schools scheme is extended to include vegetables.

However, organisers said attendance by politician members was 'disappointing', as it coincided with the debate and vote on the future of fox hunting.

Those interested in joining the Parliamentary Fruit Industry Group as an associate member, should contact Carole Quinlan on 01732 874 564.