Supplying good lines of communication

Farexchange aims to tackle the tough challenges that lie ahead for the food industry, by linking manufacturers to the region's farmers and growers. Operating manager Paul Rhodes hopes the proposed events will benefit food companies by allowing them to form good relationships with farmers and growers, which in turn could lead to joint ventures such as the supply chain deal recently secured in the malting barley industry. The English Food and Farming Partnerships (EFFP) has secured a deal between UK malt manufacturer Muntons and three farming co-operatives - Grainfarmers, Grain Co and Centaur Grain - to build a 24,000 tonne, energy-efficient processing and storage complex in Bridlington. The project, which opens in Easter 2009, is an investment of £3.8 million and will result in more efficient processes and reduced haulage costs. Mr Rhodes said: "The aim of the conferences, seminars and forums is to bring all sectors of the food manufacturing sector together so they can form sustainable value chains. To get everyone in the supply chain working together would be a great asset in tackling the global challenges facing the food industry." The EFFP has been tasked with managing the Farexchange Partnership, in collaboration with the Regional Food Group, Country Land & Business Association, National Farmers Union, Fare Solutions, Askham Bryan College, Bishop Burton College, Yorkshire Agricultural Society, EBLEX and BPEX. The funding is being made available through the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE), which is jointly funded by Defra and the European Union, and is managed by Yorkshire Forward in the Yorkshire and Humber region. The seminars are set to be held early next year in the Yorkshire region.