Archive for November, 2011

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is the largest funder of food-related research in the UK and food security is a central strategic priority for the organisation. As part of its portfolio of activities aimed at delivering research to support food security, BBSRC has been exploring the opportunities for funding a collaborative research initiative that will address key industry research challenges of importance to the horticulture sector. The science funded will be both excellent quality and industrially relevant. FPC has been involved in discussions to help identify areas for potential research. 

BBSRC has identified five key areas where research is necessary to help improve food security:

• Improving resource use efficiency.
• Biological approaches to crop protection.
• Adapting to climate change.
• Understanding the biological processes associated with maturity and post harvest quality.
• Seed quality and vigour.

BBSRC currently funds a number of Research and Technology Clubs to support industrially relevant research in key strategic areas. Such a Club was considered for the horticulture industry but was not felt to be appropriate to the needs and structure of this sector. Therefore a different mechanism is proposed here, but one that would aim to deliver many of the same benefits to industry and the research community.

At the workshop industry buy-in was sought for an alternative mechanism to support collaborative research between industry and academia which addresses pre-competitive industrially-relevant challenges. Projects would need to have a minimum of 10% industry contribution with a minimum of 5% cash. Applications would be encouraged that are broad in scope and that are relevant to either a number of different horticulture crops or a number of elements in the food supply chain. It is expected that there will be two calls for proposals as part of this initiative.

Part of BBSRC’s objective for this activity would be to strengthen the links between industry and the relevant components of the academic research base by fostering a lasting network. One of the ways that this might be achieved is through Dissemination Events where all of the partners involved in the initiative come together to share their results and updates on progress.

BBSRC is working on developing a number of research challenges that could form the basis of the first call for this initiative. The challenges, together with the proposed models, will then be discussed by the relevant Strategy Advisory Panels within BBSRC before final activities are agreed. Final plans will be announced early in 2012.

For more information visit:http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/business/collaborative-research/industry-clubs/horticulture-collaborative-research.aspx

The EU Standing Committee has discussed the introduction of measures to control Epitrix.  Fera has advised us that following support from member states, the Commission has agreed that emergency measures should be introduced as soon as possible in 2012, to cover the main period when ware potatoes will start to move in the EU.  Fera believes that the adopted legislation will be in place by March/April at the latest.  The measures will be based on the EPPO PRA, as confirmed by the Commission working group in September, but we will need to see the Commission’s draft proposal to confirm the fine detail. 

Fera has asked us whether companies are reviewing their sourcing arrangements and avoiding potatoes with soil attached from infested areas.

For more information and links to the EPPO Pest Risk Analysis visit: http://fera.defra.gov.uk/plants/plantHealth/pestsDiseases/epitrix.cfm

The European Commission is calling on the UK Government to pay £20 million to cover unpaid duty on fresh garlic imported from China during 2005-2006.

According to media coverage, ‘Britain customs officials did not charge enough duty on this Chinese garlic between 2005 and 2006. They said that mistakenly British customs officers levied the duty for frozen garlic, rather than the higher tariff for fresh. EU officials have, therefore, sent a £20m bill to Britain. If it does not pay within two months British officials will be hauled before the European Court of Justice. ‘

There is no indication of UK Government expecting industry to cover the cost, however, we would be interest to hear from members who have received any notification or contact regarding this matter.

EU Alert - Information

EU Alert - Border rejection

The Gangmasters Licensing Agency has issued an alert covering businesses which are now marked as having ceased trading for various reasons:

FPC members are reminded to check regularly the GLA Public Register to ensure that labour users only contract with a licensed labour provider.

If you have any queries please contact the GLA on 0845 602 50 20 or enquiries@gla.gsi.gov.uk

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published its opinion on a proposal to modify existing MRLs for captan in certain berries: 

 *indicates that the MRL is set at the limit of analytical quantification.

In addition, EFSA also derived MRL proposals according to the enforcement residue definition established by the peer review, which shall be taken into account if the residue definition is amended in the framework of Article 12(2) of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005: 

 *indicates that the MRL is set at the limit of analytical quantification.

For more information see: http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/2452.htm?WT.mc_id=EFSAHL01&emt=1

 EFSA has undertaken a review of existing MRLs for pyrimethanil, with the following recommendations for inclusion in Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005: 

 *indicates that the MRL is set at the limit of analytical quantification.

(a)  MRL is derived from a GAP evaluated at EU level, which is fully supported by data and for which no risk to consumers is identified; existing CXL is covered by the recommended MRL (combination G-III in Appendix D)

(b)  MRL is derived from a GAP evaluated at EU level, which is fully supported by data and for which no risk to consumers is identified (combination G-I in Appendix D)

(c)  MRL is derived from the existing CXL, which is supported by data and for which no risk to consumers is identified; GAP evaluated at EU level, which is not fully supported by data, leads to a lower tentative MRL (combination E-VII in Appendix D)

(d)  MRL is derived from the existing CXL, which is supported by data and for which no risk to consumers is identified; there are no relevant authorisations or import tolerances reported at EU level (combination A-VIII in Appendix D)

(e)  MRL is derived from the existing CXL, which is supported by data and for which no risk to consumers is identified; GAP evaluated at EU level, which is fully supported by data, leads to a lower MRL (combination G-VIII in Appendix D).

For more information see:

http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/2454.htm?WT.mc_id=EFSAHL01&emt=1

The European Food Safety Authority has published its reasoned opinion on a proposal to modify the MRLs for dimethomorph in spinach and beet leaves (chard). 

*indicates that the MRL is set at the limit of analytical quantification.

For more information visit: http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/2437.htm?WT.mc_id=EFSAHL01&emt=1

30 November 2011 Lean Improvements

This one day workshop provides delegates with an understanding of the main lean principles and the benefits they can bring to a business. It’s aimed at team leaders/supervisors who need to understand current best practice, as well as manufacturing, operations and production employees with responsibility for achieving food manufacturing excellence.

The cost of attending this workshop will be £135 per person, and learners who successfully complete the activities on the workshop will be awarded a certificate in the Principles of Improvement in Food Operations. For more information on this and other training visit: http://www.lincoln.ac.uk/holbeach/

19 & 26 January 2012 Level 3 Principles of Auditing

The cost of attending the two day session is £150 per person; learners will be given a nationally accredited certificate for the individual unit achieved.  This course offers progression from the level 2, 1 day course. 

One to one assessment of carrying out an audit can also be offered in the workplace and can also be nationally accredited.  This assessment can be taken on its own or by following on from the taught sessions at Holbeach. The cost of this assessment unit is £50 per person. 

Places are going fast, please ring main reception 01406 493000 to book a place or for further information contact Sharon Green, Head of Skills and Employer Engagement.

MSc Food Manufacturing

The MSc Food Manufacturing is an innovative programme which integrates management, business, science and technology. It will equip students with the expertise and ability to undertake technical and production management roles in the food processing and manufacturing industries. Contact: University of Lincoln, Dr. Y. Khatri Telephone 01406 493000.

How is the Food Industry in the UK performing when it comes to having optimum processes, knowledgeable and skilled staff and a culture that generates buy-in for business improvement? To obtain your free copy of the interim report of the Food Manufacturing Process, People and Culture Survey visit: http://www.propec.co.uk/#/white-paper-request/4556374243