Norfolk and Suffolk Agri-Food Industry Council

Tuesday 13 September 2022 10.30-12.30

Via Teams

Minutes

Welcome from the Chair

 Corrienne Peasgood, the Chair, welcomed members and introduced the meeting.

 All agenda items have related to the draft delivery plan this year. Formal sign-off will take place

at the next meeting in December, so we would welcome any final comments sent to James at

the LEP by the end of October.

 There are many consultations and inquiries from Government and through the Agri-Food

Industry Council we have a route to decision makers providing key intelligence from across the

sector.

 Minutes of the last meeting were approved.

 Noted apologies (listed at the bottom of the minutes).

Agri-Food Industry Council Updates – Stuart Catchpole, New Anglia LEP

Advocacy:

 The Agri-Food Industry Council has produced submissions for the EFRA Committee inquiry

into labour shortages in the food and farming sector, as well as the Independent Chief

Inspector of Borders and Immigration’s inspection of the immigration system as it relates to the

agricultural sector.

 The Industry Council supported Peter Aldous with a Local Food Infrastructure briefing for a

parliamentary debate.

 Continued ad-hoc meetings with and requests for briefing from various teams at Defra. The

intelligence shared at these meetings and the support we receive to develop those responses

is extremely helpful.

Regional Narrative:

 A recent meeting was held to progress some of the commitments in the Regional Narrative on

9th September. We are now working to refine the proposed themes for collaboration from a

project and advocacy perspective.

 Emerging themes included some of the obvious areas to collaborate such as sustainability;

digitalisation and automation (with a key focus on adoption); and health and nutrition. We felt

that in addition to our own submissions, a combined submission in key areas such as energy

costs, labour shortages, water infrastructure, etc. could be powerful.

 We have been encouraged to start thinking about what a potential bid could look like around

R&D clusters, perhaps working with Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire around agri-tech. If the

Council agrees, we will take this conversation forward with the regional narrative grouping and

share the latest thinking with you all.

Cross-sectoral activity:

 Space Sector Plan for Norfolk and Suffolk:

o Set to be signed off by the LEP Board at its September meeting. It recognises the

existing strengths in the use of space data across agriculture in the region and sets out

a vision to build on this working with the sector.

o Potential for a scoping project to the UK Space Agency, working with the Satellite

Applications Catapult, Agri-TechE and partners.

o LEP’s Connected Innovation programme keen to support an event focusing around

space tech meets agri-tech, working closely with Agri-TechE on this.

 Freeport East:

o The new Chief Executive has started in their role and governance structures are falling

into place. The Innovation sub-group has been established and will meet soon to define

the Freeport’s Innovation strategy. This will include the agri-food sector as a key sector

in the Full Business Case.

Skills:

 Under The Skills and Post-16 Education Act 2022, the Department for Education has

designated Employer Responsive Bodies to develop a Local Skills Improvement Plan.

 In our LEP region, Norfolk Chambers of Commerce have been given the designation with the

support of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce. The plan will set out the key priorities and changes

needed in a local area to make post-16 technical education or training more responsive and

closely aligned to local labour market needs.

 Once established, the plan will require the support of local education providers to support the

curriculum development. The Chambers are keen to engage with the agricultural associations,

NFU and CLA as current thinking is that they will review the AgriTech skills and training

requirements.

Martin Collison:

 The regional narrative meeting went well. Agreed as an officer group to work on 3-4 key

themes to make the case to Government, which will in turn help to bring in commercial

investment.

 Have a case to make in terms of sharing lobbying activity on behalf of the sector. Joined up

messages across the LEPs is important and should reinforce each other.

Greg Smith:

 The Agri-Food Skills Group met last week at Otley for a workshop session.

 The Chamber of Commerce talked about Local Skills Improvement Plans and how the Skills

Group can inform this and help to shape it.

 Building in skills requirements for the agri-food sector, including what training is needed.

 Looking to develop a plan that will keep everyone up to date. We must focus on what is

needed.

Update on REAF and discussion on how best AFIC can support the fisheries sector – Mike

Simmonds, REAF (Slides attached)

 REAF was registered as a CIC on Companies House in June.

 Objectives of the organisation have been agreed to work across Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex

and covering the “catching” sector, but also processing and retail too.

 The REAF Board is chaired by Peter Aldous MP, with a mixture of professionals across the

sector represented.

 The first official meeting of REAF will take place in October.

 REAF will develop its business plan further, strengthen the board, develop a website and look

at issues of core funding.

 They would like some help with bid writing.

 Discussing the Fisheries Management Regulation with Defra.

 Price rises for petrol and red diesel are an issue for the industry. Working with Defra and the

Marine Management Organisation who are keen to see reductions in emissions. Looking at

alternative fuels and keen to get some advice from the wider agri-food sector.

 In terms of access to finance, the fisheries and seafood scheme is very complicated. It is

difficult to access and apply for.

 Looking at projects and workstreams, including the supply chain, to ensure there is a voice for

fisheries in the region.

 Government has introduced a new fisheries management plan for every species, which is a

complex way of addressing things given cuts in Government.

 Hatchers are being looked at in terms of food security.

 Crime is an issue. Fleets have been vandalised. Security infrastructure could be improved.

REAF will get involved with this issue.

 Energy cables from windfarms impact shellfish. Working with Cefas to look at this issue to see

what can be done given their expertise in marine science and aquaculture.

Comments from Council members:

 Fisheries issues will be included in responses to Government from the Agri-Food Industry

Council.

 The Industry Council will add business intelligence from REAF in meetings with and monthly

intelligence returns to Government.

 Norfolk’s Chalk Reef has major significance. Asked if there is anything in plan regarding its

conservation in relation to the management of the reef. The Natural England report came out in

2020. There are 30 members of the Norfolk Fishing Society who are well placed to advise on

this.

 The £100m UK Seafood Fund could support action. The Growth Hub can signpost fisheries

businesses to this fund and tell businesses how to apply for it. REAF would welcome working

with the Growth Hub.

 Devolution might provide some flexibility around funding locally.

 REAF attends the Algae Innovation Group organised by Hethel Innovation.

 Apprenticeships in fishing is a difficult find. REAF would welcome the opportunity to do

something on skills.

EFRA Committee Inquiry: Food Security – All

 This is a broad inquiry from the EFRA Committee. The LEP is pulling together a response from

the Agri-Food Industry Council.

 Focus for this meeting will be around two specific questions set out in the terms of reference.

1. What are the key factors affecting the resilience of food supply chains and causing

disruption and rising food prices – including input costs, labour shortages and

global events? What are the consequences for UK businesses and consumers?

Feedback from Industry Council members:

 Look at factors which can be influenced and controlled and what cannot. Look at efficiencies

(technology can enable) and consider global prices. Businesses can help themselves by

looking at technology and innovation to streamline their business. This approach helps with

focus and to identify where grant money is needed and might be able to help. Essentially, put

aside factors which we cannot influence. See what can help versus what businesses can do to

help themselves.

 Government needs to recognise that the UK and in particular, the East of England is globally

competitive in relation to climate change. Drought here in the UK, but it is also a global issue

around the world, and we have dealt with it very well as a region. UK should capture and store

water and not pump it out to sea, we would then be one of the most sustainable parts of the

world.

 Be careful with the term ‘food security’ focus more on ‘competitive food chain’

 To be competitive in the food and farming sector, we need to make the point that its also about

exports too not just growing our own market.

 Need to continue to trade, UK role could increase in the provision of food over next 20 years.

 In the context of climate change, look at future crop growing. Links to research and potentially

new crops where we use less water.

 Look at the value chain and how we can add more value to produce locally. Make us regionally

more secure and sustainable.

 Food system at one level is broken. Diets we are eating are over processed. We have to keep

pace as we are using ingredients that we have to source from around the world given are not

producing them here in UK. Need to rethink what crops we grow, and what the supply chains

look like.

 Pig sector in decline, sows are down 13%, we are in a scenario where long-established pig

businesses have been sold in this region.

 There is a shift to plant-based food. Need to look fundamentally at what we need to produce,

for example we are growing nowhere near enough pulses to serve this market.

 Tomato production has increased by 20% due to glasshouses being built.

 Hidden growth and development happening. Eating lots of potato, importing lots from Germany

and Holland, due to poor freezing capacity here in the UK.

 The Department for International Trade Plant Science for Nutrition High Potential Opportunity is

important for our region. We must build on this expertise.

 We need to educate the British public as to what food is healthy and what is not, whilst looking

at the long-term implications around sustainability.

 Energy costs are seeing people change the crops they grow due to high costs. Government

help does not address crops being grown for next year, sits outside of the 6 months help as all

cutting/processing sits outside of the 6 months and this is typically when you need to use

energy.

 Need to look at power and fuel supplies. Some businesses are using diesel generators on-site

as it is cheaper. This is not what is wanted.

 Current situation around water for the sector is adding to barriers rather than building business

resilience, this needs to be more flexible with smarter regulation that can control short term

shortages and distribution.

2. What is the outlook for UK food price inflation in the short and medium term? What

policy interventions should the Government consider to manage these pressures?

Feedback from Industry Council members:

 With regards to water and the precautionary and habitats regulation, all licenses are being

reviewed (2024) by the Environment Agency – until the precautionary principle is reviewed

within the habitats regulation, there is no help for farmers to get their licenses extended.

 Environmental assessments are now in place prior to planning which make things challenging.

 A Buying Habit Retail Report for consumers came out which shows where consumers are

shopping, it is an interesting insight.

 Clients are dipping into their reserves – there is an increase in borrowing with some banks

being more kind with lending than others.

 High input costs may lead to lower yields. Knock on effect. Rising costs in livestock feed will be

included too as this is all linked. Need to account for this in the response.

 Restructuring how contracts are being put together would be helpful, needs to be addressed

via index linking. This needs to be considered.

Review of discussion:

 Must find the right balance in the response – what can businesses do for themselves and what

government intervention is needed.

 Be aware of the unintended consequences – short term vs long term goals that might be

missed due to short term intervention.

 Public education around food and how to use (cook/consume) future crops/ingredients.

 Specific policy matters:

o Water

o Energy costs

o Planning issues

o Protection in contracts (via index linking)

State of the Nation - All

Ben Turner (sent alongside apologies):

 Availability issues are still very apparent.

 Large ag product will arrive late 2023 / early 2024 if it is ordered now.

 Combine availability is capped for 2023.

 Farmers are looking at great profits from the 2022 harvest, but resistant to spend despite

super-deduction benefit due to concerns over 2023 production cost increases.

Tim Place:

 We must celebrate the under-staffed resource that has coped well with the horrendous drought

situation. Need to hear something from Government regarding business support as they are

trying to plan 2023 budgets.

 Decisions will be made in the next month. Growing less to supply shorter term crops could

create a massive hole in the supply chain and shortages will be seen for next 18 months.

Andrew Francis:

 More and continued support is needed around mental health and wellbeing. We must help to

get the message out there. It is vital to celebrate what the farming sector is doing in order to

help bring the industry together.

Clarke Willis:

 The Broadland Food Innovation Centre was handed over to Broadland District Council last

Friday. There is an open invitation to the launch event of the Innovation Centre and Food and

Drink Cluster on Thursday 22 September. There will be a business breakfast the next day

organised by Local Flavours, with 50 food producers in a meet the buyer event.

Matt Jones:

 The Suffolk launch of the food and drink cluster will take place on 3 October at Endeavour

House in Ipswich. Gavin Talbot has been invited to talk about food poverty.

Jo Middleton:

 Hopefully, once a County Deal is secured, we can look at some of these initiatives.

 Working across Norfolk with the abstraction community to ensure we get water in the region.

Natasha Waller:

 The Agri-Food Skills Group meeting included a workshop and sector skills plan update which

looked at where the focus needs to be. Looked at the energy crisis, supply chain challenges

and labour shortages. There were updates on the skills bootcamp offer.

 Farmers are helping and providing feedback for future careers support, linking to training and

salary structures.

 Regarding the County Shows, happy with progress. The Skills and Careers Festival (planned

for October) is cancelled due to a lack of employers taking stands and some colleges

struggling to secure transportation. The LEP and both county councils will look at funding for

the next year.

Tim Place:

 Successfully grown crops of lentils and chickpeas. Will cut out the import side. Working on a

project that looks at varieties that can be grown in this climate.

 On the irrigation side, 260 licences are being looked at as all have been bought into SSI’s.

 Environmental impact side/reports are challenging for reservoirs, as there is no system in place

to look at them.

 When it comes to seasonal labour, paying large fees for the privilege of having to use

intermediaries, would like to see lower costs. Finding that there is seasonal labour available but

would like direct contact, rather than having to go through the four Government appointed,

expensive, operators.

 Seeing planning permission issues around solar and wind turbines but keep seeing blockers

preventing us helping ourselves to become greener.

Tim Woodward:

 Pleased the Rural England Prosperity Fund is live. Promoting and pushing this working with

local authorities to ensure it is accurately targeted.

 The Rural Powerhouse All Party Parliamentary Group is looking at cost of living in areas and

water issues.

Viv Gillespie:

 Looking at capital investment under skills development funding.

 The collaborative bid to Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme led by Diometer has reached

the final stages now.

Stuart Catchpole:

 Collaborative activity taking place around a market campaign to promote the Plant Science for

Nutrition High Potential Opportunity and individual pilot elements.

Any Other Business (Chair)

 Date of the next meeting is 13th December.

In Attendance

Corrienne Peasgood (Chair); Andrew Francis, Elveden Estate; Martin Collison, Collison and

Associates; Tim Place, Place UK; Greg Smith, Agri-Food Skills Group; Robert Gooch, The Wild Meat

Co; Jo Middleton, Norfolk County Council; Charles Hesketh, NFU; Viv Gillespie, Suffolk New College;

Matt Jones, Suffolk County Council; Clarke Willis, Food Enterprise Park, Belinda Clarke, Agri-TechE;

Sam Fairs, Hillfairs Farming Ltd; Natasha Waller & Stuart Catchpole, New Anglia LEP; and Tim

Woodward, CLA.

Apologies for absence

Adrian Dyter, Muntons; Alexander Larter, Broadland Food Innovation Centre; Andrew Fearne, UEA;

Ben Turner, Ben Burgess and Co Ltd; Emily Norton, Savills; James Allen, New Anglia LEP; Jonathan

Clarke, JIC; Mark Nicholas, Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association; Mike Edwards; Albanwise; Neil

Punchard, Norfolk FWAG; Peter Mason, Uphouse Farm Ltd; Philip Ainsworth, Suffolk Agricultural

Association; and Rosie Begg, Gorgate Ltd.

Additional attendees included:

Mike Simmonds & Nicola Webster, REAF (presenters); and Katie Snell (New Anglia LEP - observer).