Peter Melchett
Peter Melchett is Policy Director of the Soil Association, the UK organic food and farming organisation, responsible for campaigns, standards and policy. He runs an 890-acre organic farm in Norfolk, with pigs, beef cattle, sheep and arable crops. He is a member of the BBC’s Rural Affairs Committee and the Government’s Organic Action Plan Group, and was a member of the Department of Education’s School Lunches Review Panel.
He was a Special Lecturer in Biological Sciences, Nottingham University 1984-2002, is on the Board of the EU £12m Research Project ‘Quality Low Input Food’, and does some environmental consulting, for example with IKEA and ASDA. He was a Labour Government Minister 1974-79, at the Departments of Environment, Industry, and Northern Ireland (covering education and health). He was President or Chair of several conservation ngos, and was Director of Greenpeace UK (1985-2000), and chaired Greenpeace Japan (1995-2001).
Greg Tucker obtained his B.Sc and Ph.D. degrees from the University of East Anglia before joining The University of Nottingham as a postdoctoral research assistant in 1977. He is currently Professor of Plant Biochemistry at Nottingham. During his time at Nottingham his research has focused on the biochemical and genetic control of fruit ripening. In particular softening, processing and the nutritional value of fruit are being actively investigated. One aspect of this research aims to identify the biochemical mechanisms operating within fruit to bring about changes in texture and to then manipulate these mechanisms in order to delay softening. Professor Tucker was part of the team that developed the genetically modified tomato fruit that went on sale in the UK in the 1990’s.
Fruit form an important part of the Human diet. They provide essential vitamins and also fibre. Another aspect of the research is thus aimed at understanding the significance of these nutrients and improving their contribution to health. In particular studies are underway into mechanisms to enhance antioxidant and folate levels in crops.
Professor Tucker has published over 100 papers and articles and is on the Editorial boards of Postharvest Biology and Technology and Molecular Biotechnology. He has been on several project review panels for MAFF and DEFRA and acted as a UK representative on the EU-COST 94 programme “Post-harvest treatment of fruits and vegetables”.
Dr Helen Ferrier
Dr Helen Ferrier who is the NFU’s Chief Science and Regulatory Affairs Adviser. She has worked for the National Farmers’ Union for four years and her main areas of policy expertise in the NFU are food standards, labelling, nutrition, biotechnology, and agricultural science and research. As Chief Adviser, she leads a team of policy advisers covering plant health, animal health & welfare, health & safety, skills & training, inputs, transport and better regulation. Her team works within the cross-sector Policy Services department at NFU HQ
Professor Alain Malcolm
Alan Malcolm has been Chief Executive of the Institute of Biology since June 1998.
His background has been in academic biochemistry with particular reference to medical applications, followed by seven years in food research. He has held posts as Director of the Institute of Food Research and as Director General of the Flour, Milling and Baking Research Association. During his time as Chair of Biochemistry at Charing Cross and Westminster Hospital Medical School, he also held the Chairmanship of the Biochemical Society and was Chair of the Scientific and Research Committee of the Arthritis and Rheumatism Council.
He was a member of the COMA Committee on Folate in the Diet. He was Chairman of the British Nutrition Foundation from 1998 – 2000, and a member of the Government's Food Advisory Committee for seven years. He is currently a member of the Advisory Committee for Novel Foods and Processes and was Vice-Chairman of the Food and Drink Technology Foresight Panel for six years. He has been an Expert Adviser to Select Committees in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and is currently a Vice President of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee.
He is a non executive Director of Assured Food Standards (Red Tractor), and a member of the European Commission Standing Group on Fresh Fruit and Vegetables.
He is a Visiting Professor at the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine.
He has published more than two hundred scientific papers and is a frequent contributor on radio, television and other news media. He is a member of the Editorial Boards of several review journals including “Outlook on Agriculture” and “Science in Parliament”.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9th 2008
10.30 am
THE APPLIANCE OF SCIENCE
To be introduced & chaired by Professor John Moverley. The debate will address the place for science in the fruit and vegetable sector and what factors we must consider in embracing new technologies given current concerns, for example, in terms of GM. This will be set in the context of; in particular, supplying sufficient food for a growing population at the right quality and price The Chairman will introduce Peter Melchett, Policy Director of the Soil Association and a leading figure in the debates on this topic both here in the UK and in Europe. Peter will commence a debate on the issues raised. The responses will be from Professor Greg Tucker, from the University of Nottingham and Dr. Helen Ferrier, Chief Science and Regulatory Affairs Adviser for the National farmers Union Nottingham University was the original pioneer of GM technology in the tomato sector and Helen’s presentation will look at the issues especially from a producer and grower perspective. The whole debate will be concluded by Alan Malcolm, CEO of the Institute of Biology, an authoritative speaker in this area. His presentation will be followed by a period of question and answer to all the speakers.
12 noon RECEPTION & KEY NOTE SPEECH
Presented by the Chairman of the Horticulture Board for the NFU giving his views on the future from a UK grower perspective.
Forum Registration
Other FORUMS AT THE SHOW
Click on the links to find out more about each forum and register to participate.
Wednesday 8 October 2008
10-30 am
-COMPETING PRESSURES FOR LAND & FOOD MILES
1-30 pm
-EXPORTING BY THE RULES
3- pm
-INNOVATION IN PACKAGING , specific focus on bio-degradable plastic
Thursday 9 October 2008
1-30pm FPC leads the discussion on "PESTICIDES & MARKETING STANDARDS – CURRENT LEGLISLATIVE CHALLENGES"
2-30 pm
-CONSUMER PREFERENCES
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