Food prices ‘need to rise’
WE HAVE had cheap food for too long and prices need to rise, according to a senior government advisor.
Sir Don Curry, who chaired the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food, which reported to Government in the wake of the foot and mouth outbreak seven years ago, was addressing the first Food for Thought conference, which attracted producers from all over the Tees Valley and the North-east.
He said: “We have had food industry price levels sustained by subsidy for far too long. Prices need to rise for businesses to be sustainable.”
Sir Don was one of the keynote speakers addressing an audience of more than 100 food and drink producers, retailers, hospitality industry representatives and support organisations. Others included Sheila Woodall of Thorncroft drinks company at Eaglescliffe.
The event was organised by the North East England Food & Drink Group, a partnership between Northumbria Larder, North East Chamber of Commerce and Improve (Sector Skills Council for Food & Drink Manufacturers).
