APPENDIX 2
Memorandum submitted by The National Farmers'
Union of England and Wales (NFU) (C 2)
INTRODUCTION
The NFU appreciates this opportunity to contribute
to this inquiry by the House of Commons Agriculture Committee
into the role and responsibilities of Food From Britain.
The National Farmers' Union responded to the
Quinquennial Review on Food From Britain in late 1997 and was
encouraged to see that some of its recommendations have been incorporated.
THE NEED
FOR FOOD
FROM BRITAIN
The NFU feels that there is now an even greater
need for an organisation like Food From Britain to operate directly
and also in partnership with other organisations in the support
of UK farmers and growers.
At present with the changes that are taking
place within farming and the food chain, farmers and growers are
being encouraged to seek opportunities to add value to the raw-materials
that they produce on farm. The regional speciality food groups,
which have flourished through Food From Britain's guidance and
support, will have a greater part to play in the future in helping
small and medium sized food and drink enterprises to improve their
competitiveness. A good example would be the recently developed
commercial web site for regional food producers to advertise their
products to a wider consumer base.
ROLE AND
RESPONSIBILITIES OF
FOOD FROM
BRITAIN
Our current concerns are:
— The NFU would like to ensure that
Food From Britain works closely with the Small Business Service
in an efficient way and that there is no duplication in the services
offered;
— Also we are keen that all business
and marketing advice that Food From Britain offer is still offered
at a professional level and that there is easy access to this
information via seminars, workshops and the internet etc;
— When promoting regional branding
we believe that Food From Britain should make producers more aware
of the Farm Assurance Schemes that are available and the benefits
of joining such schemes;
— The NFU believe that Food From Britain
should also be looking at further export market opportunities,
and also finding ways that will enable producers to take advantage
of these markets;
— The NFU believes it is important
that Food From Britain maintains an understanding of the food
chain and that Food From Britain keeps aware of collaborative
marketing initiatives that are offered by MAFF or the NFU;
— The NFU would also like to ensure
that there is no duplication throughout the food chain system
with other official agencies.
13 April 2000
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