Innovative businesses and an outstanding research base are at the forefront of the investment opportunity for region’s agri-food sector, according to a new report.
The report, produced by New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership with neighbours Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, is being used to showcase the strength of the sector across the East of England.
The region grows almost a third of the UK’s crops, including nearly half of our home-grown vegetables. It is also a major centre of food processing, including over half of the UK’s fish processing. Supporting more than 150,000 jobs, the food chain in the Eastern England is underpinned by the most significant food logistics sector in the UK.
The new report underlines a commitment from the three partners to collectively promote inward investment opportunities in the region’s agri-food sector, including through the High Potential Opportunities (HPOs) which the Department of International Trade has designated within the region.
They will also work together to spearhead investment into Food Enterprise Zones – including the Food Enterprise Park at Honingham, near Norwich, the Stowmarket Enterprise Park and the Orwell Food Enterprise Zone, near Ipswich.
Chris Starkie, Chief Executive of New Anglia LEP, said: “The region is the single most important focus for export and import of food in the UK.
“It is the key place where nutritious food is produced and plays a vital role in global-leading research, innovation, and logistics to enhance productivity, drive the transition to net zero, deliver the levelling up agenda, and support Global Britain. The UK depends on the Eastern England for its food and drink.
“As partners and neighbours, we have committed to working together to develop and maximise new opportunities, promote our region and help businesses to innovate.”
