Food Heartland Action Plan

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Food Heartland Action Plan 2021

Welcome to the Food Heartland Action Plan The borough of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon is characterised by fertile land and the lough; bursting with a rich heritage of food and drink production as well as outstanding places to eat and drink. A key player in the agri-food sector, it comes as no surprise that the region is known as the Food Heartland of Northern Ireland. It is what we are known for and what we are good at.

Home to over 870 food and drink producers and employing around 15,000 people, the borough accounts for 25% of all agri-food employment in Northern Ireland.

From speciality artisan producers to international household brands, our local agri-food businesses are punching above their weight; having secured over 300 coveted awards for their world-class food and drink produce since 2015.

Local Food Heartland businesses have played a key role in keeping the nation fed with high quality produce throughout the pandemic. With the combined support of the local supply chain, the borough’s strategic location

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Food Heartland Action Plan 2021

and strength in transport and logistics, the region’s agri-food sector has stepped up to the plate and pivoted quickly to operate safely and overcome challenges.

This ambitious Action Plan will reignite council’s support and commitment to address challenges impacting the sector with practical support in order to help sustain and grow this vital industry into the future.

passionate producers... a tasty reputation

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Key industry challenges Throughout the pandemic, council has worked alongside local agri-food businesses to help support and assist with their response and recovery. Following engagement with the sector in November 2020, key industry challenges were identified as follows:

BREXIT:

Significant uncertainties remain around regulatory regimes; administrative and logistical requirements associated with the use of the UK as a ‘landbridge’ between the Republic of Ireland and Europe; and the outcome of trade negotiations.

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COVID-19:

Although the pandemic has offered some recognition of the value and critical importance of the agrifood industry, it has also placed increased pressures, complexity and costs to local agrifood operations.

Food Heartland Action Plan 2021

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (R&D):

Commercial, regulatory changes and consumer trends are amongst some of the challenges local producers are facing, highlighting the growing need to invest in R&D of new products and processes to deliver quality products at the right price for the consumer and business.

SUSTAINABILITY:

The need to balance environmental, economic and social considerations throughout the supply chain, alongside rising demands for healthy eating, nutrition and the need to reduce food waste are some of the key sustainability issues driving change in the sector.

What’s in the Action Plan?

The Food Heartland Action Plan details key actions that council can deliver this year to help drive investment, encourage growth and boost job creation in the local agrifood sector.

It includes practical and innovative initiatives - aligned to the ABC Recovery and Growth Framework - to help deliver sustainable and inclusive economic growth across this critical sector. At a regional level the Action Plan complements Invest NI support, Food NI and Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association and agrifood support through Southern Regional College.

This funding commitment and Action Plan will accelerate collaboration among local agri-food partners, boost industry synergy and help support the long term and sustainable growth of this critical sector.

Councillor Kevin Savage Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon

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Proposed Action Plan outcomes Artisan and SME support

Food Heartland voice

• This element will focus on developing and supporting artisan producers and small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs with up to 50 employees).

• Council will host up to six Food Heartland Forums in 2021, primarily focused on producers and also linking with businesses involved in the wider supply chain from field to fork.

• It will seek to address key issues impacting artisan and SME producers and will complement existing support.

• For example, based on recent feedback this funding could be used to address issues such as: - Providing support to help businesses make more effective use of social media, online retail and sales - Providing support to help businesses grow and diversify - Providing support for producers to enter award ceremonies and attend trade events.

• Council will work to develop the Forum to ensure routine engagement and representation from key policy stakeholders including: Food NI; Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association; Southern Regional College; AgriFood and Biosciences Institute; College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise; and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

• Council will work to develop a strong voice for local agri-food businesses through regular forum meetings and facilitate opportunities to lobby on key issues important to the sector.

• Council will raise the profile of the Food Heartland and local producers through a series of awareness raising events and initiatives.

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Food Heartland Action Plan 2021

quality creators... awardwinning food & drink

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passionate producers... a tasty reputation

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Food Heartland Action Plan 2021

Larger Business Support

Support to succeed in the future

• This element will focus on developing and supporting larger-scale businesses (with more than 50 employees).

• Council will work with strategic partners to provide regular updates and access to webinars to ensure all local producers are well informed to navigate and maximise opportunities.

• It will seek to address key issues impacting larger-scale producers and will complement existing support.

• For example, based on recent feedback this funding could be used to address issues such as:

• This element will include expert mentoring support to prepare business expansion and access funding aligned to help businesses succeed in the future (subject to funding).

• Holding a series of ‘better buying’ training sessions • Technology and engineering cost reviews.

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Get involved If you’re interested in finding out more or would like to become a member of the Food Heartland Forum visit w foodheartland.com

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Food Heartland Action Plan 2021

Our food so good...

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Food Heartla n Armagh

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City, Banb ridge & Cr aigavon

Northern

Ireland

p 0300 0300 900 e foodheartland@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk W foodheartland.com fT @FoodHeartlandNI Food Heartland 012 Action Plan 2021