Skills vital for farming – report

Better skills and investment are needed if farming in East Anglia is to meet the challenges of the next decade, a report has warned.

The 2020 Vision for the East of England Food and Farming says skills and investment are vital if the sector is to take advantage of changing economic and environmental climates.

Publication of the document follows a consultation by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) which brought together businesses with public and private sector organisations.

Concentration of efforts and investment in five key areas – research, skills and retraining, business infrastructure, resource efficiency and communication – have been identified as essential to delivering the 2020 Vision.

EEDA chief executive Deborah Cadman (above right) said the region’s food and farming sector was one of the most productive, dynamic and progressive in the world – and a key sector for future economic recovery.

“With a world class research base, temperate climate, productive soils and progressive businesses, this region has been at the forefront of agricultural development for well over a century,” she said.

“The 2020 Vision – which EEDA led on the development of – is about cementing this region’s position as a world leader, and making sure that businesses recognise and take advantage of the opportunities which are presented by the challenges we face.”

The agri-food sector is significant contributor to the region’s economy.

EEDA manages £65m of support for its rural industries through the rural development programme for England.

Marie Francis (above left), who chairs the agency’s farming group, said: “The East of England has the capacity to deliver in terms of increased production, new innovative product development and environmental sustainability.”

Regional minister Barbara Follett (above centre) said the East of England had the largest concentration of agri-food and life sciences research in Europe and was well known for its innovative approach.

The government was committed to making the 2020 Vision a reality, she insisted.

“New technology gives us the tools we need to drive up productivity, environmental responsibility and the skill level of our workforce.”