Counties picked for Food Enterprise Zones

CHESHIRE and Cumbria’s farming community, food growers and suppliers could soon benefit from a government scheme to boost rural economies.

Both have been ear-marked as sites for Food Enterprise Zones, a scheme offering grants of up to £50,000 andrelaxed planning laws to help create jobs and stimulate growth in rural economies.

In Cheshire, Reaseheath College in Nantwich has been chosen as one of 11 pilot schemes after a bid by Cheshire East Council.

Through a local development order, agricultural businesses and communities will be able to take advantage of relaxed planning regulations to encourage new enterprises and business development in the food growing, food supply and farming industry.

The 272 hectares which form the Reaseheath Estate are at the heart of the Cheshire dairy farming industry and it is hoped that if the pilot scheme is successful, similar FEZs will be established in other parts of the borough.

Reaseheath has a longstanding reputation for working alongside the agriculture industry, food growing and supply chain.

Cheshire East Council leader Cllr Michael Jones said:  “This is more excellent news for this part of the borough and great news for our local farmers and food growers.

“Food Enterprise Zones will help to unlock the potential of our local producers, food and agricultural businesses. It will encourage enterprise and job creation across the board, generating opportunity and innovation.”

The Reaseheath enterprise zone will encompass five sites. Schemes will include a new knowledge and development facility to demonstrate the use of drones and remote imaging to increase efficiency in crop production.

There will be incubator space to support and develop new businesses.

Other initiatives include the development of a nutrition centre to explore the impact of diet on exercise performance and well-being in the general population.

Meredydd David, principal of the college, said: “Reaseheath is delighted to be working with Cheshire East Council on securing Food Enterpise Zone status, as this will help the college to continue to support the agricultural, food manufacturing and rural businesses within the sub-region of the Local Enterprise Partnership and the surrounding counties.”

Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said: “Food and farming is at the heart of our long-term economic plan and vital to securing Britain’s economic future.”