In an address delivered by Doug Henderson, chief executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium, Lord Whitty, minister for food, farming and sustainable energy apologised for being unable to attend the conference, and applauded the high level of commitment to sustainable production, the principles of farm assurance and to innovation.

Remarking on the wide range of issues to be addressed in order for sustainable horticulture to be achieved, Whitty's address read: 'Your industry also has an important contribution to make to improvements in diet and nutrition. The National School Fruit Scheme and the 5-a-day programme to increase fruit and vegetable consumption both depend upon effective means of production and distribution. We are grateful for all the help which the industry has given to the development of these initiatives.

'I should also say that we value the horticultural science that has been presented today. As you know we are taking forward the recommendations of the Quinquennial Review of Horticultural Research International. I hope that it will not be too long before I can report a satisfactory outcome to the negotiations that are presently underway.'