ACCORDING to researchers at last year's Royal Agricultural Society Show over three quarters of visitors to the event's Grain Chain feature said they wanted access to more food chain information.

"The need for the agricultural industry to communicate is mounting and rural shows are being recognised as an effective medium to speak to non-farmers, said Glenn Wrigley, the show's arable specialist.

The show's Grain Chain will be repeated this year with two further chain concept exhibits unveiled.

Over 32,000 people visited the Grain Chain over four days last summer, 50% having no involvement in farming.

The Royal takes place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, from July 4-7.

Now in its 166th year, it attracted 160,000 visitors and 800 exhibitors in 2003.