Labour peer and chairman of Northern Foods Chris Haskins will give the keynote address at a major seminar entitled The Future Of Regional Food at Hazlewood Castle, near Tadcaster, on February 3.

As chairman of Northern Foods, an East Riding farmer and non-executive director of Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency, Lord Haskins is well placed to head a debate on the sustainability, profitability and responsibility of producing and promoting regional food.

Other top speakers include IGD chief executive Joanne Denney-Finch and the director general of the Food and Drink Federation Lady Sylvia Jay, recently given a CBE in the New Year honors list.

Lady Jay has an international reputation in the food industry, having proved herself in one of the toughest markets - promoting British food to the French. She is also industrial governor of the British Nutrition Foundation (part of Sir Don Curry's group overseeing the implementation of the Government's Sustainable Farming And Food Strategy) and sits on the council of Food From Britain.

Karen Carlyle, executive director of event co-hosts the Regional Food Group, said:

"This business seminar will explore the future of regional food and examine how Yorkshire and the Humber can expand and develop new markets in a sustainable and profitable fashion."

The seminar, which starts at 2pm, is open to anyone interested in the future of regional food.

Tickets at £25, are available from the Regional Food Group for Yorkshire and Humber on 01937 830354.

Updated: 11:58 Thursday, January 06, 2005