CLOSER ties are to be fostered between food producers and consumers in an initiative launched at a seminar in the North-East this week.

Community Supported Ag-riculture is aimed at ensuring local food production meets local needs. National experts on food production and distribution will be speaking at the conference, organised by the Great North Forest (GNF) project, at Newcastle's Assembly Rooms, on Thursday, from 2pm to 4.30pm.

Anyone wishing to attend should contact Bill Kirkup, GNF land management project officer, on 0191-460 6200.