INSPIRE
Connecting Farming and Food in England’s Northwest
Scene setting
In 2003 Will’s Vision
The North West Strategy for Will Cockbain is North West
Sustainable Farming and Food (SSFF) Regional Champion for
delivery plan resulted in a direct Sustainable Food and Farming.
programme of investment totalling over
£1.2 million that focused on gaps in Working with the SSFF
provision identified at that time. Influencing Group, other regional
partners and stakeholders, I am
developing a strategic approach
to delivering SSFF, in order to
address the longer-term needs of
the farming and food sectors.
Our vision for farming and food in the North West over the The development of the Regional Strategy for the North West
This activity was independently evaluated in Summer 2008,
coming decade is one in which we can all enjoy eating (RS2010) provides an unique opportunity to bring together the
and the evaluation concluded that delivery was well aligned
excellent local food from fantastic upland and lowland region’s spatial, economic, social and environmental strategies
strategically, merging top-down national priorities with
landscapes that are cared for by vibrant communities, and so build a new long-term vision for the region. SSFF has
bottom-up regional issues.
while retaining farming as a key component. We see already adopted this integrated framework approach, bringing
The adoption of this ‘gaps’ approach was pragmatic, given farming and food sectors that are adapting to climate together all three pillars of sustainability.
the level of funding available for direct delivery and investment change and mitigating its impact, with public sector In summary SSFF in the North West needs to build on the
was found to have performed well in achieving strategic investment helping to deliver this vision. This will strong foundations we already have in place and improve
added value. The evaluation further concluded that an ultimately lead to vibrant, connected, profitable and
on our experiences to date. This will include increasing
influencing role should have been established from the outset competitive farming and food sectors that deliver wider
industry leadership of and buy-in to the delivery of SSFF,
– in effect endorsing the governance that is now in place, with health and community benefits.
as well as a more focused and strategic approach to
a largely private sector SSFF Influencing Group for the North
We need to add value to public investment, and where tackling SSFF issues.
West, chaired by Will Cockbain, that seeks to influence and
possible the whole ethos of SSFF should be about integrated
shape regional and sub-regional delivery. The evaluation also Will Cockbain
projects that offer sustainable development, resource
found that a stronger emphasis on core priorities was required SSFF NW Regional Champion
efficiency and low carbon benefits. We want to see a balance
and that these needed to be better communicated. The c/o Natural Environment and Rural Team
struck, with a farming industry that produces high-quality
aim of this vision document is to build on the findings of the Government Office for the Northwest
food while recognising the importance of good environmental
evaluation and take SSFF forward in the North West. City Tower
management, and a public that recognises the importance
Piccadilly Plaza
of sustainably grown food within a secure food supply chain
Manchester
Partnerships, from the Rural Development Programme for
M1 4BE
England (RDPE) local action groups, to the North West Rural
Affairs Forum, will be vital in driving these priorities forward.
Through partnership working at regional and sub-regional
levels, collaborative projects will help deliver social, economic
or environmental benefits. Together we can inspire and shape
investment in the region and demonstrate how SSFF priorities
can be delivered.
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Vision
Priority – Food:
A market-responsive sector that
celebrates and builds on our rich
and diverse food heritage and
raises consumer awareness
of food and nutrition.
The North West region has an internationally competitive Public sector procurement also has a significant part to
Priority – Uplands: Priority –
and nationally important food and drink sector. As a
board member of the regional sector organisation Food
play in this agenda, especially in terms of schools and
hospitals procuring food locally. We also have other
A hill-farming sector that is able
to enhance its environmental
Climate Change
Northwest, I intend to ensure that we continue to build on excellent procurement examples in the North West,
this legacy. Food policy is growing in importance for the including the collaborative food delivery hubs and food credentials as a custodian of Farming and food sectors
UK Government, driven by issues such as security and co-operatives. Our horticultural areas, in the heart of our the uplands while improving its that can identify and develop
resilience of supply, affordability and accessibility, and the city regions, are a resource that is rich in opportunity to
market opportunities market opportunities arising
environmental sustainability of supply chains, as well as supply healthy local produce to urban communities.
the need to encourage healthier diets in order to help
from climate change
tackle health issues including obesity and diet-related
cancers. This emphasis on food policy makes supporting The North West Food and Drink Strategy has Food production, especially livestock farming, has played Climate change and of the need to develop a low-carbon
the food sector through SSFF highly relevant in terms been prepared by Food Northwest on behalf an important part in creating and maintaining much of the economy are high on the regional and national agenda,
of helping to achieve profitable farming and food industries of the region, to promote a profitable and landscape character we know and love in the North West. and the farming and food sectors are in a key position to
in the North West. sustainable regional food and drink industry From the uplands of the Lake District, where I farm, to contribute positively to both mitigation and adaptation.
The region’s tourism strategy emphasises that providing that can improve its competitiveness in a global Bowland and the Peak District, a profitable farming base We need to ensure that awareness is raised and that
outstanding food and drink, using local produce as much market place. Daughter action plans have been remains vital to a balanced food supply chain and the opportunities such as those offered by anaerobic
preservation of cultural heritage, and is fundamental to digestion and energy crops are explored and, where
as possible, is a key part of offering visitors an excellent developed for red meat, dairy and local food.
experience of the region. Our region’s ‘hero products’, managing some of the most picturesque parts of appropriate, grasped.
such as Cumberland sausage, Lancashire black pudding, The Food and Health Action Plan, produced by the region.
Waste and how we deal with it is also an issue that the
Southport shrimps, Manchester Eccles cakes, Cheshire the North West Food and Health Task Force, The uplands as environmental assets offer many agricultural industry in the North West needs to address.
apple juice and the excellent cheeses produced in seeks to improve health and well-being and to additional benefits to the public, such as recreation, Generating energy from waste is an attractive proposition,
Lancashire and Cheshire, offer just a few examples address health inequalities across the North West water management, carbon storage and biodiversity, and well-located farms have the potential to diversify into
that are already nationally recognised. Local and regional population through better food and nutrition. to name just a few. These multiple attributes are beginning this area, although it is not likely to suit all farms.
niche food products have an important role to play, and to be considered together in what is termed “ecosystem
opportunities to link food products better with tourism services”. We need to ensure that they are properly valued,
should be developed by the region’s farm-and with public investment in the shape of the new Uplands By delivering natural resource efficiency, the
food-based businesses. Entry Level Scheme and Higher Level Stewardship Scheme Environment Agency aims to protect the region’s
Nutrition is an equally significant area, in which the North being crucial delivery instruments. soil, water and air – careful management of
West is leading the way with its Food and Health Action resources makes sense for both environmental
Plan (FAHAP). Addressing health inequalities in the region is and business reasons.
of paramount importance in both urban and rural areas. The Uplands Inquiry, conducted by the The North West Climate Change Action Plan
Commission for Rural Communities, will also aims to stimulate and measure the progress
have a role in shaping future policy on upland of England’s North West towards a low-carbon
communities. economy, preparing it for the challenges of a
Natural England’s Upland Futures project will also changing climate and expected future energy
be important in influencing future policy instruments demands, while protecting and enhancing
and investment opportunities for upland areas, quality of life and preserving the region’s
especially in the delivery of ecosystem services. rich environment.
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Influencing Investment
European Funding RDPE ERDF in the North West Business Support
in the North West The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is a
significant source, with a total of £521 million available to
Services
Rural development in the shape of the Rural enhance the competitiveness of the region’s economy by Business Link Northwest acts as a single point of
Development Programme for England (RDPE) is an supporting the creation of the right conditions for growth contact for business support services. There is a strong
example of the type of investment vehicle fundamental in employment and enterprise, and so complementing food and drink business team that supports businesses
to the successful delivery of SSFF. In the North West, the North West Regional Economic Strategy. in delivering SSFF objectives. Other flagship services,
approximately £374 million is available over the period such as Train to Gain, also have a role to play in
2007 to 2013 for capital and revenue expenditure with
many of the target beneficiaries within the land-based
Sectors, Enterprise delivering SSFF, potentially helping employers of all sizes
and in all sectors to obtain training advice and support.
and primary production sector.
RDPE is structured around three axes, underpinned by
and Skills It is therefore important that we raise awareness of SSFF
priorities on the part of Business Link Northwest and its
Key areas for investment, which are primary drivers partners, to ensure that we can add to their services and
cross-cutting themes and a Leader approach. Funding
for securing competitive, profitable and connected avoid duplication and provide ‘Solutions for Businesses’
partners the Northwest Regional Development Agency
farming and food sectors, are enterprise (innovation and in the Farming and Food sectors.
(NWDA), the Forestry Commission and Natural England
entrepreneurship) and skills (training and research). Both
have developed a joint Regional Implementation Plan
these areas cut across SSFF and are fundamental pillars
outlining how RDPE resources are to be awarded and
of regional policy that influence investment within the
how the programme will complement and work with
Regional Economic Strategy.
other relevant strategies such as SSFF.
Single-pot investment by the NWDA will also be
Influencing Key delivery issues identified for RDPE mirror those
of this SSFF vision, and there is therefore a fantastic
guided by a raft of strategies, including the North West
Enterprise Strategy and the NWDA Rural Policy. The
opportunity for RDPE to deliver many of the SSFF
The direction of financial priorities. Reconnection and integration are strong
latter focuses on the themes of:
interventions in the North West underpinning principles for SSFF and also resonate • improving productivity and ensuring ongoing
is vital if we are to avoid the strongly with the aspirations of RDPE. sustainable growth;
development of discrete sets Solid foundations for delivery of RDPE in the North • creating a skilled workforce by growing size and
of solutions for SSFF. West are in place, with eight local action groups (LAGs) capability; and
approved across all the 5 sub regions of the North West.
• creating and maintaining conditions for sustainable
A key role of the vision will be to influence the LAGs to
growth, including diversification.
ensure that they keep SSFF principles on their radar, so
Good communication is critical to successfully maximising strategic added value.
identifying and achieving local, sub-regional, regional
and national priorities. The North West Rural Affairs Similarly, influencing Natural England and the Forestry
Forum has played an important role within the region, Commission who fund key environmental elements
acting as a consultative body, contributing to the shaping of the RDPE programme through Axis Two is also
of key regional documents, and providing feedback from fundamental to this vision. These include the Higher
stakeholders, potential deliverers and beneficiaries. and Entry Level Environmental Stewardship and the
Woodland Grant Schemes.
There is not a dedicated funding mechanism available to
deliver SSFF, so mainstreamed budgets and European
programmes need to be utilised where appropriate.
In the North West, Higher Level Stewardship
has resulted in the identification of 19 ‘multi-
The North West Livestock Programme will focus objective’ target areas covering about 40%
on improving farm competitiveness through better of the region.
animal health and welfare and greater efficiency in Renewable energy is a priority for the RDPE
the use of farm resources such as fertiliser, fuel, programme, and for forestry the real opportunity
water and energy – two of the five priority themes is in processed wood fuel, with both supply-
identified in the SSFF Forward Look in 2006. side and demand-side support needed.
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North West region Other projects allowed teachers themselves to receive
Inspiration and achievements co-operative grain storage
training in farming and the countryside. Many of these
projects were located on farms and showed how links
with the curriculum could be made, hopefully influencing
The North West is not generally thought of as a centre the teachers’ future classroom approaches. Farming and
Countryside Education, a registered charity, is continuing
Diversification of grain production, but it does produce significant
volumes of wheat and barley for the animal feed industry the legacy of YoFF with the Think Food and Farming
project. This will enable much of the momentum created
A real opportunity for farmers to diversify their core and other processors. The supply of grain and location
of these feed processors are vital to the viability and by the year to continue and will allow more schools and
business as well as for the development of new business children to become engaged with the countryside and
opportunities includes woodland. Direct utilisation sustainability of the region’s livestock sector. A group
of farmers working with EFFP is conducting a feasibility how their food is produced.
of woodland for wood fuel production, or its use as
a setting for tourism ventures could link with English study into the development of a co-operative storage
Woodland Grant Scheme (EWGS) funding an access facility in order to better meet the needs of its customers
route for horse riding. LAGs could then support an within the North West. This work is nearing completion
equestrian venture or fund the management of woodland and has been funded by farmers and the public sector
for biodiversity outcomes or the production and (NWDA via RDPE).
marketing of wood fuel.
Woodlands – Woodland covers 6.8% of
England’s North West (96,171 hectares),
but nearly half of this valuable resource is
under-managed or unmanaged, with much
Inspiration of the untapped economic woodland
resource being located on farms.
A flavour of the projects delivering
SSFF objectives is given in this
section, with many projects now Skills
entering the next stage of their Myerscough College in Preston developed a range of Future Fields Local and regional food
implementation following receipt workbooks aimed at building farmer capacity through a
clear framework to develop both themselves and, in turn, Field trials of non-food crops for biofuel and other Support for local and regional food has grown in recent
of direct SSFF funding or as a their businesses. The workbooks developed included industrial uses were carried out with Defra SSFF support years, with farmers now well placed to supply the
result of other interventions. modules on soil and boundary management. The aim in 2006 as part of the Future Fields project at the right products to a more responsive consumer base.
Nationally it is estimated that this market has grown
of the project was to provide a coherent package of University of Cumbria’s Newton Rigg campus. Oilseed
learning opportunities to farmers and rural businesses rape, hemp and crambe were grown in replicated trials by some 35% since 2003, and there is no evidence to
on the university farm to obtain baseline yield data for suggest that this picture has not been replicated in the
the region and to compare their economic returns. North West.
Sustainable Catchment Collaborative Good yields were obtained from all the crops and the Here, there are many examples of opportunities being
Management Programme Advisory Service
Future Fields project has since expanded to include
biodiesel production on campus, using oilseed rape
grasped, such as the case of The Pie Mill, based at
Blencathra, Cumbria. This business produces over 3,000
From 2005 to 2010, United Utilities, land managers and crambe seed grown in the SSFF trials. Installation pies a week, including the award-winning Blencathra
Programmes such as the Collaborative Advisory Service,
and the RSPB are working together to deliver the of the biodiesel facilities has generated much interest beef and ale pie and the Buttermere roasted vegetable
which ran from September 2005 to March 2008, have
Sustainable Catchment Management Programme and local growers will soon be able to use them to pie. These are supplied to a wide range of individual and
been used to add regional depth to national initiatives.
(SCaMP), a project that aims to improve water quality process their own crops as part of the Newton Rigg retail customers either directly or through mail order, as
English Farming and Food Partnerships (EFFP), a
and encourage wildlife. It aims to apply an integrated campus biofuel ring. well as to the public sector. For example, the business
specialist consultancy formed as a result of the national
approach to catchment management within the two key is supplying pies to Cumbrian schools on a three-year
SSFF in 2003, is one such example. Between September
areas of Bowland and the Peak District. This will help to contract, which provides it with some degree of security.
deliver government targets for Sites of Special Scientific
Interest, enhance biodiversity and improve water quality.
2005 and March 2008 the EFFP team provided business
assistance to 850 businesses in the North West Think Food and Farming The region’s producers are well placed to offer a wide
agri-food sectors. The raising of awareness of what The Year of Food and Farming (YoFF) was a national range of food and drink products in local, regional
Interventions to re-wet, re-vegetate and restore bogs and and speciality markets, with growth opportunities
collaboration could offer such businesses has resulted initiative which ran from September 2007 to July 2008,
peat will also have additional benefits, enhancing their available in areas such as food service and through
in the development of new supply chains and potential with the aim of offering children the opportunity to
capacity to store carbon and reducing their oxidation better links to the region’s tourism offer. Businesses can
initiatives such as the co-operative grain store proposal reconnect with the countryside around them and learn
and the resultant carbon dioxide emissions. receive support through initiatives such as the Enrich
described below. how their food is produced. This was not a new idea, as
Sir Donald Curry saw when he visited St James Primary Programme, hosted at Reaseheath College in Nantwich,
School in Worsley Mesnes, Wigan in November 2007. Cheshire. This initiative was established in April 2008
Soil is the basic platform for all agriculture.
The school had established a garden allowing children in with the aim of increasing enterprise activity and
It also carries out many essential functions innovation within the food and drink industry, not just
all year groups to see and participate in the growing of
which regulate and support the food. This not only benefited the children but brought the within Cheshire but across the North West.
environment we live in. additional outcomes of reduced levels of vandalism in
the school and improved parental engagement.
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Summary by Sir Donald Curry
Guidelines for Healthier Food and Nutrition In his role as Chair of the Strategy for
Sustainable Farming and Food Delivery
Catering and Hospitality Diet is a major factor in the rising tide of obesity and
overweight in the region. The other key factor is physical
Group, Sir Donald Curry has made
A healthier workforce is a more productive workforce activity, and we should have a fantastic opportunity five annual visits to the North West.
and to support this FAHAP produced a set of guidelines to promote the region’s natural environment, in the He has consequently become very
for healthier catering and hospitality at work. These heart of our region’s food production, as the very place
guidelines provide practical advice for commissioners where everyone can enjoy the countryside while being
familiar not only with the challenges and
and suppliers to help ensure that healthier food options physically active through walking, cycling and other opportunities the region faces, but also
are available in the workplace. Advice is also provided outdoor activities. with its great diversity, which is without
to support the use of local and regional food and on
holding meetings and events with a lower
The regional Food and Health Action Plan (FAHAP) doubt one of its key strengths.
outlines a number of actions along the food supply chain
environmental impact. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my visits to the North West and
to improve food and nutrition across the region through
The guidelines have been widely adopted by better access to and availability of safe and healthy food. welcome the real progress that has been made in developing
organisations across the region as standard practice, Food production, processing and retail, catering and the rural economy in recent years. I fully endorse the work of
with senior level endorsement. Training in their consumers all have a part to play. Will Cockbain in establishing a renewed vision for farming and
implementation has been provided. The guidelines were food in the North West, as set out in this document. These are
the first of their kind in the country and have since been challenging and changing times for all businesses, including
amended by other regions for their own use. the farming and food sectors, which inevitably will mean that
new priorities come to the fore. A clear vision is therefore
The guidelines have also influenced catering suppliers, essential to ensure that government support is directed to
many of whom now offer healthier options as standard where it is most needed.
practice. For example, the JJB Stadium in Wigan,
a venue that hosts many meetings, events and During my regional visits I have seen first-hand the
conferences, has adopted the guidelines and now offers opportunities for the region, with this year’s visit being no I have thoroughly enjoyed
a ‘healthier options’ menu. This has proved a good exception. On this occasion I saw Forest Hall, an upland
business move, as the venue has won new bookings as organic unit supported by the North West Organic Centre; my visits to the North West
a result of being able to offer such an option. and The Pie Mill, a very innovative business that has truly and welcome the real
thrived by developing a customer base that includes the
public sector. In previous years I have visited each and every progress that has been
one of the region’s centres of land-based education and I am made in developing the rural
reassured that they are playing a significant part in ensuring the
future not just of farming but of the wider rural economy of the
economy in recent years.
North West as well.
I have been impressed by the economic opportunities offered
by the wider food sector in the region and the work of Food
Northwest in developing these. Local and regional food has
an important role in ensuring a vibrant rural economy, and it is
particularly important to improve links between food and the
region’s tourism offer.
To conclude, I wish you well in taking forward this vision,
which will help ensure that farming and food play their full
part in delivering a vibrant and profitable rural economy
for the North West.”
Sir Donald Curry KBE
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Further Information
Business Link Northwest Natural England
www.businesslink.gov.uk/northwest www.naturalengland.org.uk
Climate Change Northwest North West Rural Affairs Forum (NWRAF)
www.climatechangenorthwest.co.uk www.gos.gov.uk/gonw/news/nwraf
Defra Northwest Regional Development Agency
www.defra.gov.uk www.nwda.co.uk
English Farming and Food Partnerships Reaseheath College
www.effp.com www.reaseheath.ac.uk
Environment Agency Rural Development Programme for England
www.environment-agency.gov.uk www.nwda.co.uk/rdpe
Food and Health Taskforce Rural Development Programme for
www.nwph.net/food_health/default.aspx England Livestock Programme
www.livestocknw.co.uk
Food Northwest
www.foodnw.co.uk Think Food and Farming
www.thinkfoodandfarming.org.uk
Forestry Commission
www.forestry.gov.uk University of Cumbria
www.cumbria.ac.uk
Government Office for the North West
www.gos.gov.uk/gonw
Myerscough College
www.myerscough.ac.uk