Approved funding for three food enterprise zones in Lincolnshire – including one at Peppermint Park in Holbeach – should act as a “catalyst for growth” in the agriculture and food industries in the region, according to CLA East.
The Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has secured £29.45m of Government funding for a range of major projects designed to drive growth.
The funding, through the Single Local Growth Fund, will be used to kick-start a host of schemes including food enterprise zones in Holbeach, Hemswell Cliff and Grimsby (subject to a full business case).
The Government has said that the zones should free up food and farming businesses, making it simpler and easier for them to grow.
CLA East director Ben Underwood said: “The confirmation of funding for the three food enterprise zones in Greater Lincolnshire reflects how important the county’s food and farming sector is to the UK’s economy.
“If managed correctly the developments have the potential to be a catalyst for growth for the agriculture and food industries in the county and further afield.
“We need to now ensure that this development maximises its potential by being well administered, with clear direction, and strong partnership working between the LEP and wider agencies involved.”
The CLA is the membership organisation for owners of land, property and businesses in rural England and Wales.