Overview
Farming and food are the key elements in the economy of the South West, The region produces more food than Scotland and three times as much as Wales. Agriculture contributes twice as much to the regional economy as in the average English region and generates twice as many jobs.
Just as importantly, it is farmers and landowners who have helped create and who now care for an environment as varied and beautiful as any in the world and which contributes hugely to the quality of life that is the South West's biggest single selling point.
In each English region the 'Sustainable Farming & Food Strategy', which grew out of the work of Sir Donald Curry's Policy Commission, is being carried forward through a Delivery Plan.
The South West's Plan is called 'Making a difference' and is being steered by a Board consisting of key representatives and Directors from SWRDA, GOSW, NFU, CLA, Natural England and the supply chain.
The Board has called its work programme 'Farming & Food Futures' to reflect the fact that this whole process is about the future of the farming and food industries (see Key Messages below).
The Futures Group drives delivery and comprises working group chairs, Topic Leads and sub-regional partners. View a list of Futures Group members.
Progress Report
The 'South West Sustainable Farming and Food Delivery Plan Progress Report 2006', published September 2006, supplements the Delivery Plan and provides an overview of what has been achieved since it was published in May 2004. The report is a fair reflection of our best achievements, the greatest opportunities within the region and documents where we have lost momentum.
The Delivery Plan itself will be revised and reproduced in Spring 2007 and thought is currently being given to key sectors and overarching objectives, which will encourage cross-sectoral integration throughout the Plan.
The following Annexes are supplementary to the Progress Report
The Farming & Food Futures Group will ensure:
A profitable and sustainable farming and food sector is at the heart of a healthy rural economy and living countryside.
This will be achieved by:
- Farming businesses using knowledge to best advantage, often collaboratively
- The highest standards of animal health and welfare being encouraged in livestock farming
- People being aware that buying and eating local food is good for the environment, economy and public health
- Our environment being recognised as our most precious asset, in generating inward investment, attracting rural tourism and marketing our food
- Land-based and related businesses being encouraged to exploit huge market opportunities to the full
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Last updated 04/10/06