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Sustainable Farming and Food

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' (SFF) , which grew out of the work of Sir Donald Curry's Policy Commission, is being carried forward through a regional SFF Delivery Plan.

'Changing Landscapes, Changing Outlooks' - SFF Delivery Plan

The South West's refreshed Delivery Plan 'Changing Landscapes, Changing Outlooks' was published in mid March 2008. It is being steered by a Board consisting of key representatives from SWRDA, GOSW, NFU, CLA, Natural England and the private sector supply chain.

View the Chairman's letter which accompanies the Delivery Plan

This refreshed Plan very much reflects ownership from a wide range of stakeholders, including private, public and voluntary sector bodies in the South West region, across Agriculture, Forestry, Renewables & Non Food Crops, Food & Drink and Tourism. The Plan is designed to tackle these issues but it is just a Plan.

Its effective delivery depends on each and every relevant organisation playing their part in realising the ambitions, and also on the structures being in place to support its implementation and monitoring of its impact. The SFF Board are currently focussing on the latter and the website will be updated by the beginning of May with their decision.

For a list of leads for 'Changing Landscapes, Changing Outlooks' please click here

Bibliography for 'Changing Landscapes, Changing Outlooks' - SFF Delivery Plan

Click here for the Bibliography to accompany the SFF Delivery Plan

Rural Organisations Directory

SW CoRE have collated useful names and contact details for organisations involved in rural delivery in the Region. Click here for access to it.

Sustainable Farming and Food Chairman

John Lee is Chairman of the Sustainable Farming and Food Board. A Farmer from Devon, John has led the introduction of the SW Rural Enterprise Gateway and also leads on the Year of Food and Farming in Education, which runs from September 2007 to July 2008.

Other members include representatives from the NFU, CLA, Private Industry, Natural England, SW Regional Development Agency and Government Office for the South West. There is also a Delivery Group (Farming and Food Futures Group), made up of sub-regional partners and champions of particular sectors. John believes that the key to a successful and profitable farming and food industry, is in part through 'ownership' of the South West’s Sustainable Farming and Food Delivery Plan.

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National Implementation Group (NIG)

Sir Don Curry made his sixth visit to the South Wes region in November 2007 - view feedback. He is due to visit the region for the seventh time in October 2008.

View all previous activity of the NIG