One could be forgiven for thinking that the inclement weather this week signalled the second week of Wimbledon! How fortunate to complete almost the whole competition with so little rain stoppage. Magnificent finals, a new men’s champion, and we watched in total amazement the level-headed expertise of the UK’s young new hope, Laura Robson. Strawberries were in plentiful supply and, here at the FPC, we are standing firm against the proposed EU pesticide restrictions in order to ensure that continues in the future.

We were delighted to visit Pauleys at Corby in June to celebrate with them the award of the Red Tractor logo - a significant achievement and a great point of difference, with Pauleys launching a new product range certified to the scheme, enabling customers to purchase up to 100 different seasonal lines. We thank David Ibbotson and his team for their hospitality, and we look forward to working with them in the future as a key FPC member.

The FPC’s agm took place in June and, as I am sure many of you are aware, a new president was elected. We thank the outgoing president, Michael Velasco, for his contribution over the last two years, and look forward to working with new president Jim Rogers of Fesa (UK), and new vice-president Henri Lambriex of Greencell. Their combined commitment to work with us on your behalf to increase the success of the produce and floral industries of the UK is paramount, and with remaining council members actively supporting FPC initiatives, the future is bright.

The Gangmasters Licensing Authority met in June and, as a board member, I can report that significant progress is extremely encouraging in the war on unlicensed labour. A labour user group will be formed in the near future, and I would urge your involvement to make a meaningful contribution to the continued fight to stop the maltreatment of migrant workers.

We thank International Produce for hosting our latest Pesticide Working Group meeting. Jim Jefcoate is an extremely capable and respected chairman of this well-subscribed group, ably supported by Jon Tugwell of Fyffes, who sits as vice-chairman.

I wish you happy holidays wherever you choose to take your break, and by whatever means of transport you choose to get there. Let the carbon emission debate continue.