Agriculture & Food

Greater Lincolnshire makes a significant contribution to food security – The region produces 30% of the Nations vegetables, 18% of Poultry and 12% of all food. The Greater Lincolnshire UK food valley is a prime example of our county’s importance to UK food security. 

https://www.greaterlincolnshirelep.co.uk/funding-and-projects/uk-food-valley/about-uk-food-valley/

South Holland has a commercial food sector which employs 42% of the local workforce, 10 times as concentrated as nationally.  From 2010-’17 South Holland grew its food chain GVA (Gross Value added) at more than double the national rate.  South Lincolnshire is the centre of UK food logistics, with an estimated 30% of all national food freight distributed through the district, centred on Spalding with: Freshlinc; Fowler Welch; GIST; XPO; Bakkavor, and in Boston, Turners distribution centre at Bicker, all focused on this sector. https://www.greaterlincolnshirelep.co.uk/funding-and-projects/uk-food-valley/clusters/south-lincolnshire-food-processing-cluster/

The Agriculture & Food sub-group are a dedicated team tasked with working with the many food processing and primary food producers in our area. Working together and sharing knowledge with the other sub-groups, our aim is to source and share best practice in optimising energy use, minimising food waste, and utilising best practice to maximise output, while reducing use of inputs that either increase carbon, or like water, are a finite resource. All of which must be vetted for commercial viability. 

The changing climate is impacting how the areas crops are grown, with the need to be resourceful and quick to embrace new ways of production, and manage resources such as water use and soil health.

Processing sites for food have challenges with energy cost and supply, water management, labour availability and waste management.

What the sub-group’s aims/priorities are:

Our current task is to offer solutions towards an Energy Audit and Carbon Management proposal. A key priority will be helping businesses share best practice and develop an understanding of practical and viable solutions.