Organic Fish Producers Association One day Conference

DATE: June 23rd 2005

VENUE: Quality Inn, Edinburgh Airport

TIME: 10.00 – 16.00

OFPA promotes and encourages the development of organic fish farming, processing and marketing in Europe. Its inaugural conference, which offers exclusive information and lively debate, is aimed at everyone with an interest in the principles of organic aquaculture, processing and marketing – from fish farmers and processors, to regulators, retailers and the media. It aims to raise awareness of the organic fish sector. Renowned fish vet Edward Branson MRCVS, a member of the Soil Association Aquatic Standards Committee since 1997, will chair the event.

Programme:

1000 – 1030 Registration and Coffee

1030 – 1130 Keynote Speech: Organic principles of production and the concept of husbandry for health Patrick Holden – Director of the Soil Association, an organisation that has considerable influence over food and farming policy, and a high media profile. Patrick is an active organic farmer, and a regular broadcaster, speaker and writer on organic food and farming issues.

1130 – 1230 The organic salmon standard; its role in sustainable production, and a sustainable way of life. A review and discussion led by Angus MacMillan, MD of West Minch Salmon Ltd

1230 – 1400 Lunch

1400 – 1500 New Species Aquaculture: Organic Cod Alan Bourhill, Johnson Seafarms Ltd Organic shellfish - the pros and cons John Holmyard, Shellfish Production Consultant

1500 - 1530 Consumer perception and response – the market reaction to organic aquaculture Dennis Overton, MD of Aquascot Ltd

1530 – 1600 Coffee, Discussion and Conclusions Chairman, Edward Branson MRCVS Delegate cost is £130/person, including all food and refreshments Further details and a booking form can be obtained from Nicki Holmyard on nicki.holmyard@virgin.net or telephone +44 1866 822454

Media invitations to this event are free of charge. Please contact Nicki Holmyard to confirm your place, or to request further information.

NOTES TO MEDIA:

• The organic fish sector is one in which demand considerably exceeds supply.

• Species currently accredited for organic production include salmon, trout and warm water prawns.

• Work is in progress to accredit organic cod, oysters and mussels in the UK.

• Organic salmon production in the UK will amount to some 2,500 tonnes in 2005, with Ireland adding a further 1,200 tonnes Freshwater trout production is estimated at 300 tonnes. The OFPA Conference has several aims and objectives. It will:

• Enable players in the organic fish chain to evaluate their role in this increasingly important and growing sector;

• Showcase organic farming as a model of production in harmony with the environment, which allows natural systems to keep pests and diseases in check;

• Allow industry and national media to gain a truthful overview of organic aquaculture; • Introduce the concept of organic cod and shellfish production;

• Invite debate between all interested parties;

• Educate students, NGOs, regulators and government departments;

• Boost the standing of OFPA amongst stakeholders.