nabim’s stand at the 2005 Cereals show in June gained more visitors than ever including several previous winners of nabim’s breadmaker competition. This year the competition, which required applicants to fill in a questionnaire on millers’ messages on the stand, was won by John Anderson, a farmer from Lincolnshire. The main messages communicated included:

• the worrying decline in the production of nabim Group 1 varieties;
• the success of the chain in increasing the amount of UK wheat used in the miller’s grist and the possible threat to this balance from the decline in Group 1 varieties;
• the importance of segregation of varieties and farm assurance;
• the many different products containing wheat flour, and consequently the huge range of flours millers produce.

Visitors to the stand were eager to pick up a warm loaf of bread (courtesy of Rank Hovis), and the wheat growers amongst them keen to speak to the millers on the stand. Discussion appeared less contentious than in previous years, with the main subject being which varieties millers preferred and, in particular, millers’ views of the variety Solstice.

In preparation for next year nabim staff would appreciate your comments on the stand and suggestions for future events, or perhaps even an offer of next year’s prize! .

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