Gloucestershire County Council’s cabinet has approved a new strategy to support Gloucestershire’s food and farming sector, one of the county’s most important industries, over the next four years.
The Supporting Gloucestershire’s Farming Businesses Strategy 2026-2030 was approved at a cabinet meeting on 21 October and provides a framework for working with farmers, food producers, businesses, education providers and other partners to help the sector grow, innovate and remain resilient.
Food and farming play a vital role in Gloucestershire’s economy, environment and rural communities. Around 8,000 people work in agriculture across the county, and farming businesses manage more than 70 per cent of Gloucestershire’s land.
The strategy supports the ambitions of Gloucestershire’s Local Growth Plan, which identifies agri-tech and food production as priority sectors for economic growth. It focuses on areas where the county council can add value by providing leadership, working with partners and bringing organisations together to support the sector.
The strategy is built around four key priorities: championing and promoting the sector, developing skills and innovation, supporting resilient and sustainable businesses, and strengthening collaboration across the industry.
A major part of the work will be supported by Gloucestershire’s involvement in the HARVEST (Harnessing Agricultural Renewal via Voice, Economics and Social Transformation) project, which will be delivered in partnership with the Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI) at the University of Gloucestershire. HARVEST is a four-year European-funded programme exploring the future of farming and rural communities. Gloucestershire County Council has secured €370,000 of funding through the project, which will support research, engagement activities and initiatives to help shape the future of the sector.
The strategy also aims to build on the success of the Made in Gloucestershire initiative by expanding it beyond a promotional platform for local food producers. Future plans include creating more opportunities for local businesses to connect with buyers, retailers, hospitality businesses and tourism organisations, helping strengthen local supply chains, boost the visitor economy and support growth across Gloucestershire’s food and farming sector.
Progress will be reviewed annually, with the strategy remaining flexible so it can respond to changing economic conditions, new opportunities and emerging challenges facing farming businesses.
Cllr Julian Tooke, cabinet member for business, economic development, planning and infrastructure, said: “Food and farming are at the heart of Gloucestershire’s economy, landscape and way of life. Our farmers and food producers make a huge contribution to the county, supporting jobs, businesses, communities and the environment.
“This strategy provides a clear direction for how we can work alongside the sector to help businesses thrive, encourage innovation, develop skills and create new opportunities for growth.
“We know the industry is facing significant challenges, but there are also exciting opportunities ahead. By bringing partners together and building on the excellent work already taking place across Gloucestershire, we can help ensure our food and farming sector remains resilient, sustainable and successful for generations to come.”