Farm leaders back blueprint for growth

FARMERS and land owners are backing a business-led campaign that calls on the coalition government to support industry in the east of England.

The NFU and the Country Land and Business Association have both signed the Blueprint for Growth, a nine-point plan that outlines the strengths of the regional economy and highlights priority areas for investment and collaboration.

The blueprint has been drawn up by the Space for Ideas business leaders group, made up of companies such as Suffolk brewer Adnams, Aviva, GlaxoSmithKline, Ford UK, and others across East Anglia.

NFU regional director Pamela Forbes said: “Agriculture in the east of England is at the heart of an £8 billion food and farming industry and it has a fundamental part to play in the UK’s economic recovery.

“We know the government has difficult decisions to make but, for us, protecting the competitiveness of the food and farming sector is paramount. We want to see policies in place that allow agriculture to thrive.”

CLA eastern region director Nicola Currie said: “This is about working in partnership with government and business and securing the investment needed to help drive the UK economy forward.

“Better rural broadband, improving our energy security, developing low carbon initiatives and investing in skills – these are some of the key issues the blueprint highlights that together we need to address and overcome.”

The nine priorities and companies backing the campaign are outlined at www.eastofengland.uk.com/blueprint. Businesses are being asked to visit the website and support the campaign by entering their name and email address.