Agri Food and Rural

Supporting sustainable rural businesses with their growth potential; identifying areas of opportunity and support from associated organisations.
To assist in the development and implementation of the county’s Local Industrial Strategy Agri-tech strand.
Work with partners to deliver a food strategy for the county: using food as the vehicle for driving positive social, economic and environmental change.

Business Group

Collaborate with bodies such as DEFRA, LEAF and the Soil Association to link environment, farming and food production.
Work collaboratively to identify funding opportunities for agriculture, food and farming businesses.
Collaborate with local authorities and stakeholders to advise on rural issues within the county.
Devise and implement engaging initiatives and activities that will help promote, nurture and support improved skills for the longevity of a thriving rural economy.
Support the sub groups with the strands feeding into the food strategy: to support the development of education surrounding food origins; diet, public health and wellbeing; value of food.

Chair: Claire Whitworth - Hartpury College & University
GFirst LEP Board Member: Mike Warner – Warners Motor Group

Katharine Cripps - Barclays Bank
Ben Compton - Bruton Knowles
Louise Williams - Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE)
Thomas Mason – County Land and Business Association (CLA)
Bob Watters – Forest of Dean Local Action Group
Sarah Carr - Farm 491
Gill Reindl – Gill Reindl Consulting
Jill Matthew – Gloucestershire County Council
Carey Ives – Gloucestershire County Council
Barbara Pond – Gloucestershire Rural Community Council (GRCC)
Gareth Parry – Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust
Russell Marchant – Hartpury University/College
Simon King – Hartpury University/College
Charles Mann – National Farmers Union (NFU)
James Cox – National Farmers Union (NFU)
Katie Jarvis - National Farmers Union (NFU)
Janet Dwyer – University of Gloucestershire (CCRI)
Bryonny Goodwin-Hawkins - NICRE South West