On behalf of the FPC team, I wish you a very happy and prosperous new year. This year brings with it a number of challenges for the industry and we look forward to working with renewed energy on your behalf.

To start the year, I can report that our dialogue with Defra has continued following the implementation delays and problems, and we are pleased that Plant Health has taken on board our concerns that forthcoming trade for Valentine’s, Mothers’ Day and Easter could be severely disrupted and that a period of stability has been agreed. It is good to note that the Quarantine Release Certificate will not now come into force before March 25, 2008, and we will be organising a meeting for members with senior members of the Plant Health team to discuss the latest updates.

I look forward to seeing many members of the FPC Importers’ Division at Felixstowe Docks later this month, where we have organised, at the kind invitation of the HPUK project team, a tour of the examination area, to view improvements over the last 18 months and to discuss importing issues.

Final arrangements are taking place for our annual dinner at the Intercontinental, now only three weeks away. We are delighted with the response and to see so many new faces this year - a great night is in store and we have just a few tickets left if you have not already booked your table.

Media coverage of the recent troubles in Kenya has shocked us all and we sincerely hope that the issues are speedily resolved, bringing peace and prosperity for 2008. The UK fresh produce and floral industries have enjoyed a highly successful business relationship with Kenya and those amongst us who have supported recent ethical trading initiatives watch developments with concern for our Kenyan members and for their great country.

A reminder that entries for those coveted Re:fresh Awards must be submitted by February 29. This is the year for outstanding industry events and our Re:fresh Conference is no exception, with a great line up of speakers on the organic v conventional debate.