Much of our work focuses on building, working in or facilitating partnerships between companies, government agencies and the third sector to promote rural and agri-food economic growth
This has led to the creation of some of the most dynamic, large scale and successful projects launched in the agri-food and rural sector in the last decade including: the Edge Apprenticeship project launched in 2013 which is focused on recruiting new employees in high tech farming; Agri-tech East which was launched in 2013 to promote the growth of agri-tech companies across the east of England; the Agricultural Development in the Eastern Region (ADER) project which supported 4,500 farmers to diversify over the 2000-08 period; and the InCrops project 2008-15 which worked with about 300 SMEs to promote low carbon growth based on crop derived products.
To help promote growth in the economy we are also active members of a wide range of rural and agri-food groups, including:
- The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) of which we are professional members. Martin has been a member of the CLA’s national Agricultural and Land Use Committee since 2011
- All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Science and Technology in Agriculture - this APPG has members drawn from across parties in both Houses of Parliament and industry representatives who meet to debate how science and technology can help deliver sustainable agriculture
- Lincolnshire Branch of the Institute of Agricultural Management (IAgrM) – we have supported this branch of the institute since its formation and Martin has both spoken at and chaired debates held by the Institute on Brexit, the potential for automation and future agricultural policy
- Greater Lincolnshire Water Management Board – which is championing the development of a more integrated approach to water management across Lincolnshire
- East of England Food and Agriculture Board (FAB) - as a member of this group we meet with other businesses, research and education representatives across the East of England to debate how to support agri-food sector growth and to facilitate new projects. The group is part of DEFRA’s National Rural and Farming Network which was established in 2012 to advise DEFRA ministers on issues affecting the rural and farming community across England.
- Norfolk Rural Development Strategy Delivery Group – this group of which the business is a member is working to implement the recommendations in the Norfolk Rural Development Strategy which was published in 2013
- The Norfolk Horn Breeders Group - Lynn currently sits on the committee
Leader (RDPE) Groups:
- West Norfolk Leader Group – Lynn chairs the West Norfolk Leader group which bid successfully for RDPE funding for the 2015-2020 programme
- Martin is Chair of the Cambridgeshire Fens Leader Group for the 2015-2020 programme and was also Vice Chair of the Fens Adventurers Leader group which ran from 2008-13 and distributed over £2.5m of grant aid to rural businesses
- We worked on the development of new Leader groups in Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex for the Rural Development Programme 2015-2020.
The business is also an active supporter of Norfolk Young Farmers and helped to support the revival of our local club, Terrington St Clement YFC, after a break of 8 years. Lynn (2013-14) and Martin (2011-13) are former Presidents of the club and Martin is a current member of its Advisory Committee.
We also believe that genetic diversity is essential for the future of livestock production and in addition to our Shetland sheep the business also breeds rare Norfolk Horn Sheep. Lynn has been a member of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) and the Norfolk Horn Breeders Group since 2004.
