It’s good to see GlobalGAP responding to grower concerns over the burden of audits by offering the carrot of reduced checks for the best performers.

Those producers who consistently perform well will face reduced checks in future, and there can be no better encouragement for suppliers than the possibility of a little less stress.

Growers have been shouting loudly for a considerable time for the need for less red tape, and they will welcome the news that their concerns are finally being heard.

The new standard also takes into account potentially the biggest threat facing the future of food production - the diminishing water levels.

There have been all sorts of dire predictions about how the global production map will change as a result of water shortages, and the issue has now arguably overtaken carbon footprints as the biggest environmental concern for the industry.

Those producers who show they can manage water efficiently, as well as conserve and recycle the precious resource, will be in pole position to succeed and win contracts with retailers that have put environmental issues at the heart of their corporate social responsibility agendas.

That’s not to mention the long-term cost savings that can come from being water-efficient: it’s a win-win situation that no producer can afford to ignore.

The issue of sustainable production will also be on the agenda at the FPJ Conferences - West Midlands event on

9 November. We hope to see you there.