Minister learns about food industry during Holbeach visit

Promoting agri-technology to the next generation to create a highly skilled food workforce and building on the potential of food exports were key issues raised by the Farming Minister George Eustice MP when he visited Holbeach.

Mr Eustice was at the National Centre for Food Manufacturing to launch the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s Food Board and Agrifood Plan 2014-2020.

The Food Board is made up of senior figures from food and farming across Greater Lincolnshire and its purpose is to inform and advise the LEP on issues and challenges which face the sector such as water management, planning, transport infrastructure, the translation of research to industry and skills requirements.

The agrifood sector in Lincolnshire employs around 56,000 people and is worth £2.5billion annually to the economy.

After the launch Mr Eustice toured the National Centre for Food Manufacturing and QV Foods nearby.