The transition from autumn to winter came hard this year; we felt almost deprived of a summer and put our clocks back with measured reluctance. We hurtle on towards the end of the year with myriad recipes for pumpkin soup, English apples and pears, and the promise of mulled wine around the corner.

This has been a month of major discussions on issues surrounding air miles. It is crucial that consumers understand the potential ramifications of the proposals made by the Soil Association which, in our considered opinion, are fundamentally misguided.

The industry has another great opportunity to contribute to the implementation of the International Trade Single Window. The system is set to go live in February 2008, and will offer substantial benefits to traders with daily updated tariff information, rather than the current paper updates which can be six weeks out of date. At an FPC meeting earlier this month, members assisted in the development of the application’s design, and we look forward to the next phase with interest.

Following the tragedy of the weekend at the vegetable packhouse in Warwickshire, our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident. Whilst this situation is exceptional, it reinforces the need for businesses to review their health and safety, fire risk and labour policies.

Organisation of the FPC Annual Dinner 2008 in February continues in leaps and bounds, and if you have not already booked your tickets I would urge you to contact the FPC office without delay or book online at www.freshproduce.org.uk.

The Re:fresh Conference & Awards 2008 is set for Thursday , May 8, and I look forward to seeing many of you on the day for another great event. Preliminary details of an exciting conference agenda - The Moving Organic Goalposts - can be found on page 7, and we look forward to receiving your entries for the 2008 awards. For details on both, visit www.refreshconference.com.