House of Lords gathering, Festival of Agriculture, and All-Party Parliamentary Group offer opportunites to showcase UK fresh produce sector
The UK Fresh Produce Network (UKFPN) is gearing up for a series of high-profile events and initiatives to showcase the fresh produce sector in Lincolnshire.
Supported by the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, the UKFPN is a member-led organisation and network that links UK fresh produce companies with the local and national supply chain in the UK.
Tammy Doughty, who heads up the network, will host a gathering at the House of Lords in September. The event, which will attract key stakeholders including ambassadors and investors, aims to highlight the sector’s latest innovations and the role of UKFPN members in driving these advancements.
In October, the UKFPN will play a central role in the Festival of Agriculture, at the Springfields Events and Conference Centre in Spalding, presenting new opportunities and developments in the agriculture industry.
Doughty is keen to showcase the educational pathways into the sector, not least in the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone in Holbeach. On the day, students will hear from Lincoln University, Nottingham University and Leicester University.
Another significant milestone in the UKFPN’s journey is the formation of an All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) dedicated to the fresh produce industry.
Chaired by Sir John Hayes, the group will provide a platform for policy, advocacy and industry support. Doughty will serve as secretariat, guiding the group’s strategic direction and fostering dialogue between industry leaders and policymakers.
The UKFPN is further strengthened by the backing of Lord Waverley, whose commitment to the network has been instrumental in driving the network’s initiatives forward.
The UKFPN was awarded funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, enabling it to host a multitude of events. This included a roundtable discussion at the House of Lords, chaired by Lord Waverley and Lord Douglas-Miller.
During the event, the UKFPN highlighted key sector challenges and proposed innovative solutions.
Additionally, as senator for the UK at the World Business Angels Investment Forum, Doughty is leveraging her international connections to benefit the UKFPN.
By showcasing the sector’s potential to global ambassadors and investors, she hopes to attract the attention and investment needed to ensure the industry’s long-term sustainability and growth.
For more information on the UKFPN’s upcoming events, contact Tammy.doughty@lincs-chamber.co.uk.
