News article
21 April 2010
FDF launches manifesto placing food and drink sector at heart of economic recovery
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PRESS RELEASE
A new manifesto highlighting the strategic importance of the food and drink
manufacturing sector to the UK economy will be launched tonight by Ross
Warburton,
President of the Food and Drink Federation. He will challenge politicians to
stop
taking the food and drink industry for granted and to place a sustainable UK
food sector at the heart of the next Government’s strategy for economic
recovery.
The manifesto outlines the vital role FDF members play in underpinning the
economy – creating jobs and wealth and boosting exports. Food and drink
production is
the UK’s largest manufacturing sector, employing 440,000 people and generating
exports of £9.65billion in 2009. Warburton wants that contribution to be
recognised by policy makers, and is calling on Government to make a public
commitment
that a successful food manufacturing sector will become a strategic priority in
its own right.
“Defra’s Food 2030 Vision provides a platform for us to work with Government”
he says. “We must create a coherent strategy for food, and an economic and
regulatory environment which allows our members to prosper and to ensure the
nation’s
future food security against the combined effects of climate change, higher
global demand and increasing pressure on finite resources.”
“Government must support manufacturers, protect innovation through investment
and through cutting the red tape, and back us in going green. In return it can
be
confident that food and drink will continue to be a great British success
story”.
Notes to editors
More Information
- FDF Press team
-
Cath Wilkins on [email protected] or 020 7420 7132
-
Sarah Lovell on [email protected] or 020 7420 7131
-
Rebecca Wilhelm [email protected] or 020 7420 7140
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