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Whitty speech opens food conference
From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Thursday 28th Feb 2002.
MORE than 150 food and drink producers took part in the Opportunities for the Future conference arranged by Taste of the West as part of its foot-and-mouth recovery programme.
The opening address at the conference, held in Exeter earlier this month, was given by Lord Whitty, minister of food and farming, who spoke about the Government's commitment to promoting local food.
Among those attending the conference was Samantha Ross of Lavender Blue, based in Mere.
Her small family-run business specialises in unusual biscuits such as white chocolate and lavender, and luxury fruitcakes.
Lavender Blue uses all local ingredients farmhouse butter, free-range eggs and organic flour.
Ms Ross said: "I was extremely impressed with the speakers and topics covered at the conference and it was reassuring to hear about the support available to food producers in the west country.
"The practical and positive suggestions were very welcome and uplifting after what has been a difficult 12 months for us."
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