Cidermakers to make case over ‘misguided proposals’

February 10 2010

An update on the range of issues facing the UK cider industry was presented to producers, growers and suppliers from across the country at a day long seminar at Sheppy’s Cider near Taunton.

Particularly for the smaller producers the annual event provides an opportunity to hear at first hand about the wide range of activities the National Association of Cider Makers undertake on behalf of the industry.

Issues discussed include the planning that is going on to ensure a sustainable future for cider at a time of rapid climate and environmental change, the industry position on alcohol misuse and the whole social responsibility agenda.

Of particular interest was the way the industry should respond to possible changes in duty and/or taxation that have been put forward by Government and the Opposition as a means of tackling alcohol misuse.

NACM chairman, Henry Chevallier Guild, said there was a danger cider could be unfairly singled out in any proposals to tackle this issue. 

'The fact is there are no problems drinks, there are problem drinkers and singling out one category of drinks for financial penalties simply means the problem is displaced somewhere else.

'We must be careful to ensure that misguided understanding does not turn into sloppy and lazy legislation which just gets nodded through without us making every effort to make our case,' he said.

He urged those present to put in a concerted effort to contact their MPs to draw attention to the damage ill thought out proposals could inflict on an industry that was of such great importance to the rural economy.  

A copy of the presentations made by the chairmen of the NACM committees is attached.

© NACM 2008