ADAS and Syngenta will again be hosting the annual UK Vegetable Industry Conference in 2012.  This conference is a well established major one-day event for all those involved in the vegetable industry, including growers, packers, processors and all those who supply products and services to the industry.  Previous conferences have always been well attended, and have been of great benefit to all those taking part.

Organised by ADAS and sponsored by Syngenta Crop Protection UK Ltd this event provides a platform for discussion and debate on the issues, opportunities and challenges facing the Vegetable Industry.  This year our theme is ‘Profit from Sustainability’ and leading industry professionals and researchers will share their expertise on a number of key areas. 

John Sedgwick HDC Field Vegetables Panel Chairman and Swede Manager at Stewarts of Tayside will debate ‘The importance of a sustainable approach to vegetable production’.  Grower of the Year Award Winner 2011 Stewarts of Tayside have steadily expanded and today are one of the largest Swede growers and packers in Britain and one of the largest independent soft fruit growers in Scotland. 

To debate the ‘profit’ part of the conference theme Stephen West Finance Director of The Shropshire Group will address ‘How does a transnational fresh produce company prosper in the world’s most competitive market?’. 

Hayley Campbell-Gibbons Chief Horticultural Adviser NFU will also comment on sustainability as well as giving a broad overview of the vegetable sector and the current challenges including an update of Fruit & Vegetable taskforce.   

The finalised conference agenda and delegate registration form will be available in October but meantime please book the date in your diary.  A draft programme is available to download.