Moray Firth 'Produce to be Proud Of' - Wednesday 29 November

Food and drink is worth £850 million to the Highlands and Islands economy, and supports 32,000 jobs, an influential seminar of the industry's experts will hear.

The Moray Firth area is an important producer of quality local food products, both from the sea and the land.

And the demand from visitors and local people for better access to locally produced food and drink is increasing rapidly.

Businesses and organisations involved in producing, marketing, retailing and utilising local produce from around the wider Moray Firth area are being encouraged to attend the 'Produce to be Proud Of ' conference on 29 November at the Newton Hotel, Nairn.

The conference will explore the potential for adding value to local produce - a rare opportunity to meet key players to develop a forward strategy to make the most of an outstanding range of the area's foodstuffs.

International experts in the food and drink industry, including Professor Terry Stevens, and successful UK food initiatives, such as the 'Taste of Arran', will share the factors critical to their success.

Delegates will explore opportunities to raise the profile and improve distribution networks for the produce of the Moray Firth, with the aim of setting a collective agenda to take the next steps forward.

The conference will be of particular interest to those in the fishing and farming industry, food and drink processors and distributors, retailers, restaurateurs, hoteliers and to those in tourism and health promotion.

It is being organised by the Moray Firth Partnership, with financial support from  the EU Highlands Marine Resources and Communities scheme  (HiMaRCS) and Moray Council and the backing of a wide range of organisations, including Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).