CLA: Lincolnshire’s Food Enterprise Zones are ‘catalyst for growth’

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Funding of £6.5 million for Lincolnshire’s Food Enterprise Zones are a ‘catalyst for growth’ in the agriculture and food industries in the region, says CLA East Director Ben Underwood.

The news follows the Northern Powerhouse minister Andrew Percy’s visit to the Lincoln Science and Innovation Park on March 9, where he announced a total government cash injection of £29.5 million for Lincolnshire Projects, secured by the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

The funding, through the Single Local Growth Fund, will be used to kick-start a host of schemes including three Food Enterprise Zones (FEZ) in Holbeach, Hemswell Cliff and Grimsby.

The government has said that the FEZs 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.”