Strengthening links in the food supply chain
Mar 9 2009 by Karen Dent, The Journal
Karen Dent
(0191) 201-6243
karen.dent@ncjmedia.co.uk
THE links in the food supply chain come under the spotlight in Newcastle next week.
A major conference, chaired by BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today’s Mark Holdstock, will look in detail at each part of the chain and how the various links can work together to improve the system.
The English Farming and Food Partnership (EFFP) is organising the All Together Better event, which will hear from speakers ranging from farmers to brewers and the supermarkets.
It aims to persuade everyone from farmers, processors and restaurateurs to buyers to start thinking more strategically about the options they have.
Regional EFFP manager David Hall said: “The conference is the first of its kind to look at the whole supply chain – there has never been anything like it before.
“The calibre of speakers is second to none. We have put together a range of experts who represent an innovative approach to the sourcing and supply of British food right from the field to the food retailer.”
The first link represented will be Ray Field, the farm manager from Lilburn Estates. The north Northumberland farming business is now selling beef into Scotland and around 500 lambs a week to Costco.
He said: “We have developed a range of marketing outlets for our products working with a number of processing partners to ensure that we can maximise the value of our stock.
“These relationships have developed over a period of time and are based on mutual trust and understanding.”
The event will also hear from Morrison’s supermarkets’ red meat co-ordinator David Evans, who will talk about why supermarkets are keen to get closer to their suppliers.
Gerry Maguire, managing director of Linden Foods, will look at how farmers and food processors can work together to bring processing into the North East, while Jerry Dyson from Coors will be exploring how the beer brand’s parent company Carling can source ingredients more locally.
Despite the global economic downturn, EFFP’s chief executive Sion Roberts will use the event to explore how food and farming businesses can buck the trend and still find new opportunities in a difficult market.
The North East Food & Drink Group, the NFU and One NorthEast are also backing the event, which takes place at St James’ Park on March 18.
There are 100 places available at the free to attend conference. Anyone who wants to attend can book their place via Clare or Enid at the NFU on (01904) 451550 or email northeast@nfuonline.com
The All Together Better conference is the first of its kind to look at the whole food supply chain
