About Us
The Lincolnshire Forum for Agriculture and Horticulture is a partnership between the public sector and the farming and food sector in Lincolnshire. It brings together key individuals and organisations to manage and co-ordinate activity that will help address the significant changes to the agriculture, horticulture and related food sectors.
The need for the creation of such an organisation was established further to the 2002 Policy Commission report 'The Future of Farming and Food' which made key recommendations for reform and change. Locally, this resulted in the creation of the Lincolnshire Forum for Agriculture and Horticulture.
Regionally, the 'Think Farming and Food' Action Plan was later developed to deliver a sustainable future for farming and food industries in the East Midlands and quotes the Forum's work as a model of good practice.
Agriculture, horticulture and the food sector is a key and vital industry in Lincolnshire with an estimated value to the County of approximately £1050 million in 2006 with approximately 32,000 people directly employed. A succession of problems in recent years has badly affected the industry and countryside, resulting in depressed incomes and impacting on rural tourism and business success.
Through its activities, the Forum aims to work with people across all sectors to address as many aspects of Food, Farming, and Horticultural development as is feasible and deliverable in a manageable, rolling and evolving programme that does not duplicate existing effort. Its pledge is to work on themes that help to bridge a gap or add to existing initiatives. Where there is common ground, projects link in to the GOEM 'Think Farming and Food' regional delivery plan.
The work of the Lincolnshire Forum is aimed specifically at the future sustainability of farming and horticulture in Lincolnshire, in line with Defra's stated objectives of 'Working in Partnership' to develop a sustainable, modern, diverse and adaptable farming industry. The Forum is made up of representatives from the following public and private sector organisations:
Boston Borough Council
Country Land and Business Association
East Lindsey District Council
Government Office East Midlands
Leading the Ornamental Challenge
Lincoln City Council
Lincolnshire Agricultural Society
Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Lincolnshire County Council
National Farmers Union
Natural England
North Kesteven District Council
North Lincolnshire Council
PC Tinsley Ltd
South Holland District Council
South Kesteven District Council
Tenant Farmers Association
The Food and Drink Forum
University of Lincoln
West Lindsey District Council
Women’s Food and Farming Union
Young Farmers Club
In its next phase of work the Forum has clear objectives for action. These include:
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Establish a "balance sheet" of the food chains true value and contribution by assessing farm interaction with the local economy and environment
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Promote and develop use of the Select Lincolnshire brand marque
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Support PGI status for Lincolnshire produce
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Identify and promote alternative and bio-energy crops
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Facilitate Local and Public Procurement
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Continue to develop local authority and private sector links
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Engage with and help develop the supply chain
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Involving people to develop projects and exchange information
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Identify areas that could be developed including tourism; creative industries
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Monitor rural development initiatives and contribute to Lincolnshire’s ability to influence these
Downloadable Documents
A report on the half day action planning event held on 21st November 2002, at Lincolnshire School of Agriculture, Riseholme Park, Lincoln. The discussions at workshop went on to underline the need for the Forum and the Charter itself.
The Lincolnshire Charter for Agriculture and Horticulture established a new partnership between farming, food and local government and focuses on the future sustainability of farming and horticulture in the County and ways of delivering change.
This document contains information which outlines specifically the key action points of the Implementation Plan Themes included within a timetable for action. The Plan Detail also makes suggestions as to which partners may be involved in this process in the delivery of these action points.
The Implementation Plan has been developed on the work carried out at three external consultations and focuses on economic development opportunities and the future sustainability of farming and horticulture in Lincolnshire. Phase one of this plan picks out the priorities identified through the consultations, assessed against the ability to make a difference through working with others.
The importance of a unified approach to marketing Lincolnshire's produce was reinforced on 26th November. "Marketing Lincolnshire and its produce...the next step" featured presentations by Choir who are developing a brand for Lincolnshire as part of the One Lincolnshire Campaign.
Download the latest copy of the Forum Newsletter as a Word Document.
The Redundant Rural Building Grant Scheme for Lincolnshire helps bring redundant buildings back into productive use, to address local demand for workspace and to create and safeguard jobs in the County's rural communities. Download a Acrobat PDF copy of this documnet.
Forum for Agriculture Minutes
Download the very latest Forum for Agriculture Minutes available as Word Documents.
If you would like further information regarding the minutes please contact us.