Sector calls crisis talks on food scientist shortages
Improve is calling an emergency summit to tackle the shortage of scientific and technical staff in the food and drink industry.
The sector skills council is uniting with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and technical, qualifying body the Institute of Food Science and Technology to organise the meeting.
The event is set to take place at the DEFRA Innovation Centre in Reading on September 10.
"It's vital that as an industry we take a more unified approach to finding a solution to this problem," said Jack Matthews, chief executive of Improve. "There are pockets of activity with some companies doing excellent work in finding innovative solutions to attract and retain scientists and technologists, but this proactive approach must become more widespread."
Improve claims one in four food science and technologist roles in the industry remains unfilled, representing a shortage of more than 2,000 qualified professionals.
Do you believe the weakening value of the pound will have a major negative impact on your business in 2009?
- 13 January, 2009
Healthy Ageing: The Role of Nutrition and Lifestyle - 21 - 22 January, 2009
Sustainably Sourcing & Tracing Agricultral Raw Materials & Ingredients - 22 January, 2009
Food Manufacture Business Leaders' Round Table - 26 - 27 January, 2009
European Cold Chain Logistics Education Program & Trade Show - 28 - 29 January, 2009
Food Safety and dietary risk - 03 - 04 February, 2009
Logistics Link South 2009
