Great South West launches ‘Agrifood Growth Plan’ at Westminster
The importance played by the south west in providing the country with its key food needs is being highlighted by a report recently discussed at government level.
The Great South West Partnership launched its ‘Agrifood Growth Plan’ at Westminster where it showcased the region as a ‘national leader in food security, productivity, and sustainable agrifood growth.’
The Westminster programme included a roundtable discussion at Portcullis House. Organisers say it allowed government officials to meet senior leaders from across the Great South West’s agricultural food business sector.
They discussed how to boost long-term growth in an industry so crucial to the nation’s economic future and resilience.
‘Our region has the heritage, talent, natural resources, and the shared ambition to lead the UK and world in sustainable food production,’ explains Richard Clothier MBE, Managing Director at Wyke Farms.
‘The South West has the potential to be a global powerhouse producing and exporting the highest quality food products across the world.’
‘This growth plan is vital to helping farmers and food producers in the region articulate the fantastic potential that we have.’
The ‘Agrifood Growth Plan’ was formally launched at a House of Commons reception, with contributions from parliamentarians, business leaders, and academic partners, including Baroness Minette Batters, Baroness Sue Hayman and Richard Foord MP.
From left to right: Karl Tucker, Great South West; Baroness Minette Batters; Baroness Sue Hayman and Melanie Squires MBE, NFU. Image provided by Program.
‘Strengthening national food security and building greater resilience’
‘The Great South West already plays a critical role in how the UK feeds itself, from primary production through to processing, innovation, and export,’ explains Karl Tucker, Chair of the Great South West Partnership and Chair of Yeo Valley.
‘This Agrifood Growth Plan sets out how the region can go further, strengthening national food security and building greater resilience into UK supply chains.’
‘This Plan captures the region’s core strengths and the priority actions needed, rooted in the realities of the food system, and shaped by extensive research and consultation with partners.’
‘With the right investment and policy alignment, the Great South West can continue to be a cornerstone of a more secure, sustainable, and competitive food economy.’
The report’s authors say it highlights the importance of what the region provides to the whole of the UK food system.
It explains the south west accounts for 11% of England’s agricultural output, including more than one third of England’s dairy farms. It’s also England’s premier fishing region.
Researchers explain the sector generates more than £10 billion in gross value added and supports around 320,000 jobs. The Westminster launch was supported by sponsors Wyke Farms, Rodda’s and the University of Plymouth.
‘We’ve seen first-hand the power of investing’
‘As a university rooted in the heart of the Great South West, the Centre of Research excellence in Intelligent and Sustainable Productive Systems (CRISPS) is proud to support the launch of the AgriFood Growth Plan,’ explains Dr Jennifer Rowntree.
‘The University of Plymouth plays a vital role in driving the region’s growth agenda – equipping graduates with the skills our industries need, forging diverse partnerships across business and the public sector.’
Business leaders say the ‘Agrifood Growth Plan’ sets out how the region can play a central role in delivering national priorities – providing it has the right conditions for investment and innovation.
‘As a business rooted in the South West for generations, we’ve seen first-hand the power of investing in our farmers, producers, and food innovators,’ says Nicholas Rodda, Managing Director at Rodda’s.
‘This plan backs the people and partnerships that make our sector world-class whilst driving sustainable growth, strengthening rural communities, and ensuring British dairy continues to set the standard for quality and provenance.’
The Great South West Partnership explains it aims to work with the government and investors to put the Agrifood Growth Plan into action and so help to ensure the ‘region continues to play a leading role in securing the UK’s food future.’
The partnership consists of local authorities, universities and businesses.
Breaktime News has previously reported on the South West’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) which aims to provide a significant voice for a range of businesses and enterprises across the region.
