Training package launched for local food producers and retailers
The South East Food Group Partnership (SEFGP), in conjunction with the country food groups, has launched a training programme specifically designed for agri-food businesses based in the South East and Greater London area which are looking to improve their business operation and profitability.

 

The main four course topics include Marketing, Retail, Food Hygiene and Butchery.  The courses are offered at a subsidised rate, made possible by the Rural Development Plan for England (RDPE) and Landskills South East.

Courses scheduled for February:
22 February 2010, Hook: Butchery and retail costing – beef
23 February 2010, Dorking: Success with a Farm Shop
For a full programme visit www.southeastenglandfoodanddrink.co.uk/trainingprogramme

First come – first served!

 

London 2012 Games must ‘go for gold’ with Olympic food standards
The Food Vision published by the London 2012 Olympic Games organising committee (LOCOG) reveals plans to offer a wide range of food for all customers.  A total of 14 million meals will be served during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, across 40 locations, in what will be the largest peace-time catering operation in the world.

 

In line with London 2012’s sustainability commitments, the London 2012 Food Vision sets out benchmark and aspirational standards in how food should be sourced for the Games.  It should also leave a positive legacy for the future, setting standards for catering at future public events.  See the full Olympic Food Vision document here
http://www.london2012.com/documents/locog-publications/food-vision.pdf

 

If you want to supply or keep up to date with the tenders that will be announced over the next 12 months, make sure that as a supplier/producer you are registered with www.competefor.com

Calling all Cheese Producers!
Following on from our leaflet on Cheeses in the South East, the NFU and SEFGP are teaming up again to publish a leaflet promoting ‘cheese and speciality dairy producers’.  Please register to feature in this new publication, due to be published this spring. It will feature contact details plus map showing location, and will be distributed widely across the region.  The cost to be included is just £20 including VAT. 
Click here for further details and registration form
 

DEFRA Food Strategy 2030
DEFRA launched the Food 2030 strategy giving us an overview of where they think the industry should be in 20 years time.
To view the full report click here. Their vision is a follows:

What we want by 2030…
• Consumers are informed, can choose and afford healthy, sustainable food. This demand is met by profitable, competitive, highly skilled and resilient farming, fishing and food businesses, supported by first class research and development.
• Food is produced, processed, and distributed, to feed a growing global population in ways which:
o use global natural resources sustainably,
o enable the continuing provision of the benefits and services a healthy natural environment provides,
o promote high standards of animal health and welfare,
o protect food safety,
o make a significant contribution to rural communities, and
o allow us to show global leadership on food sustainability.
• Our food security is ensured through strong UK agriculture and food sectors and international trade links with EU and global partners, which support developing economies.
• The UK has a low carbon food system which is efficient with resources – any waste is reused, recycled or used for energy generation.

 

 

Foodies Festival, Brighton, 1-3 May
Opportunity to expand your client base, promote your company as well as generate considerable revenue for the business.   Click here for details

 

Hampshire Fare have spaces on the following workshops:
Title: Championship Sausage Making
Date: Wednesday 3rd February 2010
Time: 2pm - 6pm
Venue: Sparsholt College Game Processing Unit, Winchester
Price: £65 + Vat (£50 + Vat for Hampshire Fare members)
Title: Championship Pie Making
Date: Thursday 4th February 2010
Time: 10am - 2pm
Venue: Sparsholt College Game Processing Unit, Winchester
Price: £65 + Vat (£50 + Vat for Hampshire Fare members)

Further Info: Tim Brock Tel: 07889 069291