Two members of Welsh Food Advisory Committee have terms of appointment extended
Wednesday 22 April 2009
The Director of the Food Standards Agency in Wales, Steve Wearne, has welcomed the extended terms of appointment of two members of the independent Welsh Food Advisory Committee (WFAC).
This Advisory Committee is chaired by John Spence, the FSA Board member for Wales, who is appointed by the UK Government and the Welsh Assembly Government. The committee comprises eight independent experts who are selected for their experience and practical knowledge of areas such as nutrition, agriculture, food-related science and consumer interests. These members are also appointed by the Welsh Assembly Government.
The two reappointed members are:
- Ms Kate Hovers – a consultant veterinary surgeon
- Mrs Katie Palmer – who has wide experience in community and business food projects.
Mr Wearne said: 'These reappointments will ensure that WFAC continues to comprise of individuals with a wide range of food-related backgrounds and in depth knowledge. Drawing on this wide range of experience guarantees that thorough and well-considered advice on every aspect of food is given to the Agency by the committee.'
Notes to editors
- The Welsh Food Advisory Committee was established in 2000 to provide independent advice on food issues that relate to Wales.
- The committee works closely with the FSA, both in Wales and across the UK, and supports the Agency’s objectives of putting consumers first; being open and independent and ensuring advice is science and evidence based.
- Appointments to the committee are made by Gwenda Thomas, Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services.
Biographical notes
Ms Kate Hovers
Kate Hovers is a veterinary surgeon based in the Brecon area. She qualified from Liverpool in 1983 and gained a Certificate in Sheep Health and Production in 1996. She ran her own mixed species practice for 13 years. She now works as a sheep consultant, a locum veterinary surgeon and part time large animal veterinary adviser for a pharmaceutical company. She writes occasional articles for the farming press and gives talks, usually on sheep health and preventive medicine. She is a past president of the Sheep Veterinary Society and of the South Wales division of British Veterinary Association.
Mrs Katie Palmer
As Lead Food Project officer for ‘adventa’ at Monmouthshire County Council, Katie was responsible for leading community and business food projects. Working with partners she developed pilots and secured funding for a 'whole school' approach to school meals in Monmouthshire. She was also instrumental in developing the local food chain, encouraging local businesses and communities to network and source local produce.
During her five years in the international dairy industry Katie worked with a number of major food businesses to develop new products and bring them to market. Her business development role at Volac International required both technical science and marketing skills to develop the market for whey protein in Europe and America. She developed a strong understanding of food legislation in this role, particularly when the Foot and Mouth crisis hit the UK and food regulations tightened significantly.
As a member of the Welsh Assembly Government’s Food and Drink Advisory Group, Katie has a good overview of the food industry in Wales. She is based in Cardiff.
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Telephone: 02920 678916
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Email: caroline.kitson@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk