Women’s Food and Farming Union provides food for thought

‘FOOD for thought 2012’ is the theme of the Women’s Food and Farming Union National Conference being held in Devon in April.

Organised by the Devon Branch of the WFU, the event will be held at Bicton College commencing with dinner on April 11th followed by Conference on 12th and 13th April, 2012. Various conference packages are available.

The speakers who have already agreed to attend include University of Exeter Professor and Director of the Centre for Rural Policy Research Michael Winter, who will talk about food security. Richard Ashworth MEP who will address the question of CAP reform. Devon farmer Richard Haddock will urge the need for fair trade for UK farmers.

Caroline Drummond, Chief Executive of LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) will look at how we feed an expanding global population whilst considering the environment, celebrated Devon cheese-maker Mary Quicke will speak about the Slow Food Movement. Bicton Principal David Henley will talk about inspiring young people, and a young farmer about their vision of the future.

Dr Christianne Glossop, Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, and Dr Marina Morgan microbiologist, will look at issues surrounding animal and human health, John Lee, OBE Chairman of the Devon County Agricultural Association, will chair questions.

Rosemary Berry, Chairman of Devon WFU, said: “Devon WFU is extremely honoured to host this year’s national conference and delighted that so many distinguished speakers and guests have already pledged their support for the event, including our National Patron, Baroness Byford and President Helen Bower.

“The event is open to non-members as well as WFU members and we look forward to welcoming as many people as possible.”

“WFU has campaigned to promote of British food and farming for more than 30 years but never has there been a more important time for as many people as possible to understand the issues that affect the industry’s future.”

 

1. The Women’s Food and Farming Union (WFU) was founded in 1979 by farming women, wives of apple growers, who were concerned by the threat to their livelihood from imported Golden Delicious. When they discovered that the French Government was paying an illegal subsidy to their growers, WFU members lobbied the British Government to get it removed, then mounted a campaign to promote English Apples, which saved the home grown apple industry. Since then WFU has become a nationwide organization with members from all sectors of British agriculture and horticulture and others interested in food and farming.

2. Aims and Objectives: To promote British Farm Produce and provide a link between Producers and Consumers: Encourage farmers and growers to adopt the best production and marketing practices: Lobby against unfair competition: Encourage skills in purchasing, storage and preparation of food: Educate and inform the general public on farming and countryside issues.

3. Website details are: www.wfu.org.uk