Members of the Forum

Lincolnshire County Council - www.lincolnshire.gov.uk
Provides some general information on the County and news items relating to the County. Trading Standards Lincolnshire County Council Trading Standards Service provides advice on and enforces many of the rules related to Animal Health and Welfare, including regulation of "stand still" periods and the disposal of dead stock and animal by products in general. For these purposes they provide a help line number: 01522 552490. Staff at this office can also give advice on rules relating to the quality, marketing, mixing and labelling of animal feeds and the quality and labelling of fertilisers. Trading Standards also advises on and enforces rules related to food labelling and food standards. The general Trading Standards number 01522 552401 should be used for queries of this nature.

National Farmers Union (NFU) - www.nfu.co.uk
The National Farmers' Union is the democratic organisation for farmers and growers in England and Wales. It's central objective is to promote successful, environmentally-friendly, welfare-conscious agriculture and horticulture while ensuring the long term viability of rural communities.

County Land and Business Association (CLA) - www.cla.org.uk
Promoting and supporting enterprise by providing members with political representation at EU, national and regional levels, authoritative information and advice, and practical opportunities to network and market their products and services.

Women's Food and Farming - www.wfu.org.uk
Founded in 1979, this voluntary organisation is committed to promoting an understanding of and confidence in all aspects of quality British produce. Holds information about news on the industry, responses to government policies. Email to admin@wfu.org.uk

Lincolnshire School of Agriculture and Horticulture - www.lincoln.ac.uk/lsa/
Provides information on a range of courses and activities linked to horticulture and agriculture.

Lincolnshire Agricultural Society - www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk
Provides information on events and other activities taking place at the Lincolnshire Showground.

Leading the Ornamental Challenge - www.loc.org.uk
Leading the Ornamental Challenge exists to assist ornamental horticultural businesses in the Lincolnshire Objective 5b area to maintain and improve their competitiveness through an innovative programme of development measures.

Tenant Farmers Association - www.tenant-farmers.org.uk
The TFA seeks to support and enhance the landlord-tenant system. It represents and advises members on all aspects of agricultural tenancy and ancillary matters. It also aims to improve the professional and technical knowledge of its members, to increase the flow of new tenancies onto the market and to help the farming industry best apply existing agricultural tenancy legislation.

Food and Drink Forum - www.foodanddrinkforum.co.uk
A membership led organisation for the food and drink sector which stimulates and supports the sustainable development of the industry across the East Midlands.

Lincolnshire Young Farmer's Club - www.lincsyfc.org.uk
Aimed at young farmers in Lincolnshire, the organisation suggests links to related clubs and highlights the opportunities for young farmers to develop their abilities.

All District Authorities - as Listed Below
The Forum is a public private sector partnership

District Authorities

Boston Borough Council - www.boston.gov.uk
Use 'A-Z' of Services' for 'planning applications and enquiries.' Contains general advice about forward planning and development control or speak Richard Purcell on 01205 314200.

East Lindsey District Council - www.e-lindsey.gov.uk
This part of the Council website has some general planning advice and contact details. it directs users to the national planning portal website for more information and to download planning applications at www.planningportal.gov.uk or 01507 601111 and ask for Development Control.

City of Lincoln Council - www.lincoln.gov.uk
Use the 'Services A-Z' for planning services. This part of the Council website contains on-line application forms, guidance notes as well as a comprehensive contacts list. For the Planning Hotline call 01522 873550.

North Kesteven District Council - www.n-kesteven.gov.uk
Use the 'Services A-Z' for planning services. North Kesteven are part of the planning portal network and provide several online services. Value in Store" contact Alan Gray on 01529 414155.

South Holland District Council - www.sholland.gov.uk
Some General planning and building control advice is available a well as information regarding flood risk which is an important issue in this part of the county. For more information and to download planning applications visit www.planningportal.gov.uk. For planning enquires call 01775 761161.

South Kesteven District Council - www.grantham-online.co.uk
Grantham online is part of the Welland Planning Service and contains wide ranging advice and information on planning. For planning enquiries call 01476 406471/3. For general enquiries go to www.skdc.com

West Lindsey District Council - www.west-lindsey.gov.uk
Detailed web site carrying a range of guidance notes, on-line application forms and information concerning forward planning, development and building control. For planning enquiries call 01427 676676.

North Lincolnshire Council - www.northlincs.gov.uk
Detailed web site carrying a range of guidance notes, on-line application forms and information concerning forward planning, development, building control and other Council services.

North East Lincolnshire Council - www.nelincs.gov.uk
Detailed web site carrying a range of guidance notes, on-line application forms and information concerning forward planning, development, building control and other Council services.

Business Development / Support

Grants and Financial Support - www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/lincdev/section.asp?catId=2875
There are a number of funding programmes running in Lincolnshire to assist local projects. To find out how to obtain further information about the grants available via Lincolnshire County Council and support in applying for these grants please click on the following link.

Business Link, Lincolnshire and Rutland - www.businesslink.gov.uk
Business Link Lincolnshire & Rutland Ltd is part of a national network of Business Link operations delivering the Small Business Service, with the aim of providing a range of high class services to improve the competitive position of British businesses. For more information call 0845 757 4000.

Business Link, Lincolnshire and Rutland Rural website - www.ruralbiz.net
This website is maintained by the East Midlands Rural Business Desk. The Desk offers an integrated one stop shop; a single gateway through which rural businesses in the East Midlands region including Lincolnshire can access information and guidance about business support, grant aid and training. The East Midlands Rural Business Desk can access advice and guidance for you, put you in touch with the most appropriate agencies or local advisors and put together a tailor made, comprehensive package of support for your individual business need.

Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform - www.berr.gov.uk
With the aim of encouraging businesses to be more productive and successful, the BERR can offer advice and assistance on a range of policies relating to the farming industry.

Government Office for the East Midlands - www.goem.gov.uk
It is our aim to work with regional partners and local people to maximise competitiveness and prosperity in the East Midlands, and to support integrated government policies for an inclusive society.

Food Standards Agency - www.foodstandards.gov.uk
The Food Standards Agency is an independent food safety watchdog set up by an Act of Parliament in 2000 to protect the public's health and consumer interests in relation to food.

Institute of Grocery Distribution - www.igd.com
Website giving facts and information on aspects of the food and grocery industry. The site covers retailing, manufacturing, foodservice, farming, consumers, wholesaling, packaging and logistics.

East Midlands Rural Affairs Forum - www.ruralaffairs.org.uk
The East Midlands Rural Affairs Forum (EMRAF) is the champion for the Rural East Midlands within the region. EMRAF aims to be the driver of the rural agenda in the East Midlands and the regional hub for information on rural issues.

Women in Rural Enterprise (WiRE) - www.wireuk.org
To learn more about the opportunities and assistance available from the Women in Rural Enterprise East Midlands (WiRE) organisation, and how to get involved in Lincolnshire.

Advice and Training East Midlands (ATEMS) - www.atems.co.uk
ATEMS is a gateway that provides rural businesses in the East Midlands with access to specialist advice and training on any aspect of operating in a land-based business environment.

East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA) - www.emda.org.uk
East Midlands Development Agency (emda) is one of nine Regional Development Agencies in England. They were set up by Government in April 1999 to bring a regional focus to economic development. Our business-led Board leads the agency in directing a wide ranging strategy and business programme, focusing on a number of key challenges.

Lincolnshire Enterprise - www.lincse.org.uk
Lincolnshire Enterprise is the Sub-regional Strategic Partnership for Lincolnshire. It is concerned with delivering the Regional Economic Strategy working in partnership at both regional and local levels. It co-ordinates the regeneration activities set out in The Lincolnshire Agenda and ensure that local delivery of initiatives and county and regional policies do not conflict, but work to a common goal.

Educational Agriculture Sites

Big Barn - www.bigbarn.co.uk
Visiting BigBarn, gives consumers the opportunity to buy meat, game, fish, fruit and vegetables, cheese and dairy products, drink, bakers' products and even nursery plants direct from the people who produce them.

EU Commission Agriculture - www.europa.eu.int/comm/agriculture/index_en.htm
Advice, information and news on European Policies affecting agriculture and horticulture.

FoodFen - www.foodfen.org.uk
FoodFen is an East of England partnership of private business and the public sector with the strategic aim of building a world class agri-food industry within the fens. The FoodFen area covers about 250,000 farming hectares, from Spalding and King's Lynn in the north to Ely in the south, and Peterborough in the west to Thetford in the east.

Environment and Conservation

Lincolnshire Tourism - www.visitlincolnshire.com
The website of Lincolnshire Tourism holds information about visiting the Lincolnshire. In particular the website holds information on locations to stay, places to eat and information on interesting events and projects occurring around the county. To find out more follow the link.

Natural England - www.naturalengland.org.uk
Natural England is the statutory body working to make life better for people in the countryside and to improve the quality of the countryside for everyone.

Environment Agency - www.environment-agency.gov.uk
The Environment Agency is the leading public body for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales. It's their job to make sure that air, land and water are looked after by everyone in today's society, so that tomorrow's generations inherit a cleaner, healthier world.

Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group - www.fwag.org.uk
FWAG exists to provide farmers, landowners and other clients with the best opportunity for environmental gain through cost effective quality solutions. FWAG provides farmers and landowners with practical advice on making adjustments to farm operations and enhancing farm features in order to support wildlife, landscape, archaeology, access and other conservation issues.

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust - www.lincstrust.co.uk
The Trust is a voluntary charitable organisation which cares for Lincolnshire's wildlife and countryside. It is one of 47 similar Wildlife Trusts covering the UK which are affiliated to the Royal Society for Nature Conservation. The Trust collaborates closely with many official and voluntary organisations including English Nature and the Countryside Commission, County and District Councils, the Country Landowners Association, the Environment Agency and many others. It is regularly consulted by all these bodies on planning, land management and other countryside matters.

Voluntary Initiative - www.voluntaryinitiative.org.uk
The Voluntary Initiative was accepted by the Government on the 1st April 2001, in place of a proposed tax on pesticides used in agriculture and horticulture. The initiative was put forward by seven signatory organisations led by the Crop Protection Association. It will last for five years and the estimated annual cost to the crop protection industry will be approximately £2.1 million. In addition, it has been estimated that it will cost farmers in the UK £11 million per year to implement the package of measures on individual farms.

Food and Farming

Demonstration Farms - www.demofarms.org.uk
The Demonstration Farms database has been set up to connect managers and users of demonstration farms, allowing farm managers to promote their events and practising farmers to find events of interest to them. This site allows you to search for farms and events in your area, look at case studies and find out the latest news affecting these projects.

British Wool Marketing Board - www.britishwool.org.uk
The British Wool Marketing Board operates a central marketing system for UK fleece wool with the aim of achieving the best possible net returns for farmers. To find out more about the service provided visit the website.

Farming Online - www.farmline.com
Information sire relating to farming including news, weather and price information, classifieds and information relating to arable, livestock and dairy farming.

Food Campus - www.foodcampus.com
A new website providing individuals working in and around East Midlands Food companies with access to industry specific information and advice. Whether you are an owner, manager or an employee of a food company, an individual thinking of entering the industry, an inward investor or an adviser working on behalf of a food company, this site has something for you. From local events and information on training providers through to technical advice on packaging or legislation, Foodcampus.com provides a framework for you to solve current issues and exploit future opportunities.

Home Grown Cereals Authority - www.hgca.com
HGCA works to improve the production, wholesomeness and marketing of UK cereals and oilseeds to increase their competitiveness in the UK and overseas markets. To find out more use the link above.

Meat and Livestock - www.mlc.org.uk
The MLC works with the British meat and livestock industry to improve its efficiency and competitive position, maintains and stimulates markets for British meat at home and abroad, while taking into account the needs of consumers.

Meat and Livestock Commission's Classification service - www.mlcclassification.org.uk
The Meat and Livestock Commission's authentication services provide accurate and consistent technical assessments of beef, sheep and pig carcases. In particular, authentication of carcase identity, dressing specification and weight are essential features of the services.

English Beef and Lamb Executive - www.eblex.org.uk
EBLEX is the new body that represents the Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC) beef and lamb levy payers in England. It was created to give English cattle and sheep farmers direct control over the setting and execution of our own strategic priorities and spending.

National Pig Association - www.npa-uk.net
Providing a service to pig farmers throughout the UK, this site holds information on a range of policies and issues affecting the pig farming industry.

Crop Protection Association - www.cropprotection.org.uk
The Crop Protection Association is the United Kingdom trade body representing those companies engaged in manufacture, formulation and distribution of pesticide products for agriculture, forestry, horticulture, gardening, industrial, amenity and Local Authority uses. Our products include those that are chemical, biological and biotechnological in nature.

Lincolnshire Farmers Markets - www.lincs-farmersmarkets.co.uk
Website representing the local farmers markets in Lincolnshire. Holds information on products available and the latest dates and venues for the local markets.

National Association of Farmers Markets - www.farmersmarkets.net
The National Association of Farmers Markets exists to promote and support Farmers' Markets throughout the UK. They assist in the setting up of new markets as well as encouraging producers to "get to market". The certification scheme accredits markets that are operating within the guidelines set by the association so that shoppers can be confident that the food they are buying is truly "local" and has been grown, bred, caught, picked, brewed or baked by the stallholder themselves. For more information email nafm@farmersmarkets.net

Tastes of Lincolnshire - www.tastesoflincolnshire.com
Tastes of Lincolnshire is a Lincolnshire County Council/European Union funded project encouraging people to choose local foods and drink. Producers, shops and farm shops, farmhouse B&B and guesthouses, hotels, pubs, cafes, restaurants, supplying local produce are flying the Tastes of Lincolnshire flag, making them easily recognised. To find out how to get involved go to our website.

Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE) - www.rase.org.uk
Dozens of organisations represent sectors of the agricultural and rural world. Only one, the RASE, offers a joined up approach to the multitude of countryside issues. The Society has a long term vision and a strategic approach. Policy development work, high level influence on Government and significant education effort in schools also lie at the heart of the RASE’s purpose.

The Rural Stress Information Network - www.ruralnet.org.uk
The Rural Stress Information Network is a national 'umbrella' charity, working with a range of partners in England and Wales and at the local level with farming and rural support groups.

Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) - www.rabi.org.uk
The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution is the only charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland that gives financial assistance to members of the farming community when they are facing hardship. Annually, it awards grants totalling more than £3 million to retired, disabled and working farming families who are struggling to make ends meet.

Border Collie Rescue - www.bordercollierescue.org
Website holds information about resettlement and re-homing of Border Collies.

Farmers Weekly Interactive - www.fwi.co.uk
Farmers Weekly Interactive was first launched in 1997 and since that time has concentrated on delivering, on a daily basis, the very latest news, market and business information.

Meat Trades Journal - www.mtj.co.uk
is the UK's leading weekly business newspaper for professionals in the meat & poultry industry.

National Association of Agricultural Contractors - www.naac.co.uk
The NAAC represents contractors in the UK who supply all types of land-based services to farmers, government, local authorities, sports and recreational facilities. All land-based contractors are welcome as members, whether they are large or small businesses, specifically land, livestock or amenity based, farmers with a contracting sideline or whole farm contractors.

National Office of Animal Health - www.noah.co.uk
NOAH represents the UK animal medicine industry whose aim is to provide safe, effective, quality medicines for the treatment and welfare of all animals.

British Livestock Genetic Consortium - www.britishlivestockgenetics.com
BLG is a National pan-industry consortium formed to to assist in the development and maintenance of profitable long-term business generated by exports of British livestock and genetics. To do this by creating a positive, favourable image in international markets and promoting Britain as a supplier of high quality animals and germplasm.

The United Kingdom Parliament - www.parliament.uk
Information on news and events, bills before parliament, MPs and Offices and related publications.

Lincolnshire Sausage Association - www.lincs-sausage-association.co.uk
The Lincolnshire Sausage Association’s (LSA) campaign to secure European Union protective status for the Lincolnshire Sausage received a boost at this year’s Lincolnshire Show as the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) backed the campaign and joined the association

The Year of Food and Farming - www.yearoffoodandfarming.org.uk
Please be aware that a controversial 'spoof' website has been set up with a very similar address so be careful when entering The Year of Food and Farming address. The spoof website address is www.yearoffoodandfarming.org.

For Farmers - www.forfarmers.com
This website combines a worldwide news service with an interactive business directory and international online job market focusing on agriculture and related fields.

Elite Farmer - www.elitefarmer.com
The Elite Farmer aims to disseminate information to people with small farms or rural property. Topics include farming, equipment, machinery, livestock, orchard and forage crops and pest control.

Your Food Job - www.yourfoodjob.com
Your Food Job is a Food Industry Recruitment website which charges companies to advertise their vacancy. This company works directly with some of the major UK food manufacturers providing them with solutions for their recruitment needs.

Department of Health Websites

Department of Health 5 a day campaign - www.doh.gov.uk/fiveaday
All about the Department of Health's 5 a day campaign, raising the awareness and promoting the consumption of 5 portions of fruit or vegetables per day.

Government Offices

DCLG (Department for Communities and Local Government) - www.communities.gov.uk/
Communities and Local Government's vision is of prosperous and cohesive communities, offering a safe, healthy and sustainable environment for all.

Bio-Energy

Lincolnshire LIGHT - www.lincolnshirelowcarbon.com
For details of the Lincolnshire LIGHT that is a scheme for those considering a biomass system. LIGHT can provide advice, feasibility study and capital grants.

East Midlands Bio-energy group - www.bioenergygroup.org
For a growing database of information that includes details on woodfuel, funding bodies, national contacts, specific East Midland contacts and a search facility to locate businesses in the region that provide services to this sector.

Biomass Energy Centre - www.biomassenergycentre.org.uk
This one stop shop for biomass provides a central point for all biomass related queries plus information on grant availability, equipment, supply chains etc.

Public Procurement

Supplier Route to Government Portal - www.supply2.gov.uk
A dynamic new government-backed service designed specifically to give companies easy access to lower-value contract opportunities (typically worth under £100K) offered by the public sector.

Source Lincolnshire - www.sourcelincolnshire.co.uk
This site aims to bring together suppliers and Local Authority buyers by providing information about future, current and previous contract opportunities with the local authorities in Lincolnshire. In addition, there are links to five other Source sites for the five other counties of the East Midlands region.

in-tend e-Procurement Solutions - www.in-tend.com
In-tend provides procurement services to the public sector. Visit this site to find current tender opportunities within the Higher and Further education sectors, schools and local government.

Tenders Electronic Daily - www.ted.europa.eu
Tenders Electronic Daily is the official European Union tender notification site. Visit this site to find information about current and past larger value (above £144K) tenders in any EU country.

Tagish - www.tagish.co.uk
The 'Essential List' is Tagish's directory of UK public sector information sources covering UK central and local government, UK healthcare providers and UK universities. Each entry includes website, e-mail address and main contact address.

TES Schools Directory - www.schoolsdirectory.co.uk
Visit this site to find information about nursery, primary, secondary, middle, independent and special schools along with sixth form and FE colleges.

Idea Knowledge - www.idea-knowlege.gov.uk
Visit this site to find contact details of all local authorities in England and Wales