The Home Grown Cereals Authority (HGCA), a non-governmental body funded by UK cereal producer, farmer and processor levies whose role is to improve the production and marketing of UK cereals and oilseeds and increase their domestic and overseas competitiveness, is inviting entries by December 31 to the Food and Non-Food categories in the first round of its 2006 Enterprise Awards. Up to eight Awards are given twice yearly for enterprising, innovative food and non-food uses of UK-grown cereals.
Any company producing, buying or using UK-grown cereals may enter but must demonstrate their application is close to market readiness and will increase use of UK-grown cereals by at least 500 tonnes/annum or oilseeds by 250 tonnes/year. Those receiving award funding, of between £5,000-£50,000, will have to match the grant from their own funds
Mairi Black, HGCA project executive, non-food applications, says in recent years there has been a significant rise in companies developing "natural" packaging from substances like corn starch and wheat but says she would welcome "more originality" in the non-food entries to the Awards.
Companies wishing to enter should contact the HGCA on: +44 (0) 207 520 3975 or apply online at: www.hgca.com/enterprise.
