Talking with the FPC this week, it is apparent that the take-up of places at their seminars on changes to the plant health inspection regime is good - but not that good.

As these seminars are an integral part of the consultation process, the only conclusion is that the industry has not grasped the full implications of not taking an active interest in matters that could seriously impact all produce importers.

The overwhelming urge to ignore legislative issues until they disappear is no longer an option. EU and national governments are under constant pressure to put their houses in a recognised and harmonised order. This trade can of course adopt the heads in sand approach, but if you want to be as significant a player tomorrow as you are today, maintaining an understanding of the likely changes in regulations is crucial.

Grape exporters of the world were united in their fears this week that sulphur pads could effectively be prohibited. But many were and still are blissfully unaware of happenings that could blow their business out of the water overnight.

Like it or not, the UK is an island that has no choice but to bow to EU regulation. Policing has been the major obstacle to the effective implementation of law across Europe, but you can bet that this will be one of the first countries to get its act well and truly in order. Failure to participate now will put any business at a future disadvantage.