The event, on February 3 at Hazlewood Castle, near Tadcaster, is being co-hosted by the Regional Food Group for Yorkshire and the Humber. Karen Carlyle, executive director of the Regional Food Group, said that as chairman of Hull-based Northern Foods and an East Riding farmer - as well as being a non-executive director of Leeds-based regional development agency, Yorkshire Forward - Lord Haskins was particularly well placed to head a debate on the sustainability, profitability and responsibility of producing and promoting regional food.
Other speakers include IGD (formerly the Institute of Grocery Distribution) chief executive, Joanne Denney-Finch, and the director general of the Food and Drink Federation, Lady Sylvia Jay. 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' Sustainable Farming and Food Strategy) and sits on the council of Food from Britain.
The Regional Food Group for Yorkshire & Humber is made up of a full time team whose brief is to assist the growth of the region's food and drink sector by delivering trade development, identifying new markets for members, improving competitiveness and increasing consumer awareness - thereby ultimately increasing the consumption of great Yorkshire food and drink. The organisation is funded by Yorkshire Forward and Food From Britain.
A spokeswoman for the event said: "Mass market demand for locally-produced food has risen dramatically in recent years and I am certain the trend will continue to gain pace.
"This business seminar will explore the future of regional food and examine how Yorkshire & the Humber can expand and develop new markets in a sustainable and profitable fashion."
l Tickets for the seminar cost £25.For details ring 01937 830354.