County producers urged to cut out the middle man

Herefordshire's farmers and growers will be urged to "cut out the middle man" in a bid to boost farm gate margins at the "Adding Value Through Direct Retailing" event later this month.

The day-long, free event is being organised by Leominster-based rural business services company, 7Y Ltd, and held at the Ludlow Food Centre on Friday 22nd February. It will showcase local food producers who have already achieved higher margins through selling their products direct to the public.

The seminar is just one in a series forming the £25,000 "Walk the Supply Chain" project, funded by Natural England and designed to help food producers build more profitable and collaborative relationships with their processors, retailers and end customers.

Highlight of the day will be a visit to Crowsmoor Farm owned by relative newcomer to the poultry industry, Chris Wesson, whose organic unit at Craven Arms sells both cooked and raw poultry entirely through local outlets.

This will be followed by a lunch of local produce and a tour of the recently completed £2 million Ludlow Food Centre.

Richard Jackson, managing director of 7Y Services Ltd, underlined the importance of the event.

"Statistics show that today, producers only receive eight per cent of the total food spend, compared to nearly a quarter as recently as 1990. At the same time, production costs have spiralled.

"The growing consumer trend, however, for "locally" and "sustainably" produced food, offer a glimmer of hope for UK farmers and growers prepared to adapt and learn how to add value through direct retail."

To find out more and book your place at the event, call Sarah Wells at 7Y Services Ltd on 01568 610061 or email sarah.wells@7y.co.uk

Wed 30th Apr 2008