Council backs new plan to support Northumberland’s food and drink sector
Steps are being taken to ensure Northumberland’s food production continues to thrive over the coming years.
Councillors have endorsed a Food Action Plan exploring how to support greater sustainability, security and growth of Northumberland’s food and drink sector over the next three years.
The plan will act as a framework for decision-making and investment, representing farmers and food producers, and ensuring supply chains remain sustainable and future-proof.
The county-wide Northumberland Food Strategy was endorsed last year following the recommendations of the independent Future of Farming in Northumberland Inquiry. Now the council has produced its plan to support this.
Cllr John Riddle, cabinet member for Environment, Rural and Farming, said: “Our Food Action Plan sets a clear vision for Northumberland to have a strong food culture that balances the way it produces and consumes food.
“It’s great to see an agreed approach so we can continue to build on this over the coming years.
“We know that Northumberland has a strong farming community producing high quality food and we want to do all we can to ensure this is strengthened now and for the future so that our people, businesses and nature can thrive.
“While there is still work to be done, I am confident this approach will bring more benefits to our county and really champion the quality of food and drink we have always proudly produced.”
The recently launched Taste of Northumberland champions local producers, retailers and hospitality businesses under a single, trusted mark of quality, and is one example of the initiatives that the council is investing in to support the growth and resilience of our local food system.
Cllr Wendy Pattison, cabinet member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism at Northumberland County Council, said: “Food is one of the most powerful ways that people experience Northumberland.
“Whether it is fresh seafood on the coast, local produce in our market towns or world-class hospitality, food and drink are increasingly shaping how people see our county.
“The work being delivered already through Taste of Northumberland along with the next steps in the delivery plan is helping us turn that strength into economic opportunity by supporting local producers, attracting visitors, creating jobs and building a stronger Northumberland brand.”