2001 - Under 40's enjoy Portuguese break

Under 40's enjoy Portuguese break Despite the fact that flooding and other factors prevented four from leaving the UK, a total of 88 delegates descended on Porto Novo on the west coast of Portugal country for Under 40s Fruit Growers conference, which takes place once every two years.

With the title 2001, a Fruit Odyssey, an intensive two and a half day programme included visits to local fruit farms and packhouses, a varied conference schedule and plenty of opportunity for discussion.

Growers and suppliers of soft and top fruit made up the majority of attendees, who were able to compare their own businesses with those of others, including Portuguese growers, and to reflect upon the most recent developments in each of their industries.

The conference was given a comprehensive round-up of the activities of the National Farmers Union and the GM and ICM industries, respectively by NFU vice-chairman Michael Paske, HRI's Rick Walden and David Austen from Kopperts Biological Controls. Presentations were also given by Nick Marston of KG Fruits, who gave an overview of the challenges and hopes that lie ahead for the produce industry, and Andrew Sharpe from Marks & Spencer, who detailed the leading role fruit will play in the retailer's fight back for market share.

The event attracted the highest level of sponsorship to date, with a total of 14 companies supporting it. Marks & Spencer, KG Fruit and packaging company MY Plastics were all major sponsors.
The conference was chaired by Michael Reeves of Overys Farm in East Sussex. George Beach of Dunnington Heath Farm, Warwickshire, was unanimously elected as the chairman for the next event in 2003.