27.03.07
Growing organic profitability for SW growers

South West growers who want to tap into the huge demand for UK grown organic fresh produce are urged to attend a special 'Horticultural Symposium' hosted by Organic South West at the Eden Project on Tuesday 17 April.

The symposium aims to encourage regional organic production with an impressive line up of speakers, experts in the fields of marketing, production and logistics. The day should inform and encourage growers, whether they are already organic or those considering their future business, to see the organic market as a serious option.

Tickets for the symposium are available from Organic South West on 01208 78988, priced at £20 each including an organic lunch or visit: www.organicsouthwest.org for more information.

Helen Browning, Soil Association Director of Food and Farming, who will be chairing the event says, "Sales of organic fruit and vegetables just keep escalating but we know that discerning consumers and retailers want to see more UK grown produce on the shelves.

"This region has a long history of producing horticultural crops and has a fair number of organic growers already, but not nearly enough to meet burgeoning demand," Helen continued, "There are many different ways of making a success of your business and we'll be looking at marketing, distribution and supply chains, all important elements for consideration when it comes to maximising profits."

Traci Lewis, Organic South West manager explains, "Organic South West are here to help develop regional organic horticultural production in line with market demand, which now exceeds supply across a number of local and national markets. We are hosting this event and further sector support activities throughout the year to provide information and support for growers who want to take advantage of these exciting market opportunities."

She continues, "For example, Riviera Produce Ltd in West Cornwall report continuing demand from the multiple retailers for field scale vegetables, while Buttervilla in South East Cornwall are currently looking for more small growers to help supply top restaurants with specialist and high value crops. Riverford Organics are also keen to talk to other SW growers to supply their rapidly expanding vegetable box network."

The symposium is designed to allow plenty of time for interaction and questions to the speakers who include Andy Johnson from Riverford Organic Vegetables, Alan Schofield of Growing Naturally and John Carley of Carleys in Cornwall, amongst others.

Martin Davies, Senior Technical Advisor for Organic South West says, "Converting to organic production has many advantages and isn't as difficult as some growers might think. There's plenty of help and advice available on the technical side and some innovative marketing schemes to tap into. Here and now is the ideal time and place to make the switch."

For further information contact Emma Parkin, PR and Media on 01392 490009 or email em.parkin@blueyonder.co.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in Organic South West through the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF).

Editor's notes:

Organic South West is a Soil Association project, part funded by the EAGGF and Defra through the Objective One Programme, to help grow the organic market in Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly. They provide technical, business and market support across the supply chain to businesses that produce, process and retail organic produce. They also operate an Objective One business grant scheme of up to 50% funding for organic businesses that wish to develop their business. For more information see: www.organicsouthwest.org or call 01208 78988.

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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