The Great South West Partnership has launched its Agrifood Growth Plan at Westminster, showcasing the region as a national leader in food security, productivity, and sustainable agrifood growth.
Unveiled at Thursday 26 February at Parliament, following a day of engagement with senior policymakers and industry leaders, the Plan sets out a clear, evidence-led strategy to unlock long-term growth across farming, fishing, food manufacturing, and agrifood technology – sectors critical to the UK’s economic resilience and future food supply.
The Westminster programme included a roundtable discussion at Portcullis House, bringing together senior leaders from across the Great South West’s agrifood businesses with Government to discuss how to boost long-term growth in an industry so crucial to the nation’s economic future and resilience.
The Agrifood Growth Plan was formally launched at a House of Commons reception, with contributions from parliamentarians, business leaders, and academic partners, including Baroness Minette Batters.
Karl Tucker, Chair of the Great South West Partnership and Chair of Yeo Valley, said: “The Great South West already plays a critical role in how the UK feeds itself, from primary production through to processing, innovation, and export. This Agrifood Growth Plan sets out how the region can go further, strengthening national food security and building greater resilience into UK supply chains.
This Plan captures the region’s core strengths and the priority actions needed, rooted in the realities of the food system, and shaped by extensive research and consultation with
partners. With the right investment and policy alignment, the Great South West can continue to be a cornerstone of a more secure, sustainable, and competitive food economy.”
The Plan highlights the Great South West’s outsized contribution to the UK food system. The region accounts for 11% of England’s agricultural output, over a third of England’s dairy farms, and is England’s premier fishing region. Across the food chain, the sector generates over £10 billion in gross value added and supports around 320,000 jobs, underlining its national economic and strategic importance.
The Agrifood Growth Plan sets out how, with the right conditions for investment and innovation, the Great South West can play a central role in delivering national priorities – from food security and supply chain resilience to productivity growth and net zero – while creating skilled jobs, and supporting rural and coastal communities.
The Westminster launch was supported by sponsors Wyke Farms, the University of Plymouth (Centre of Research Excellence in Intelligent & Sustainable Productive Systems (CRISPS)), and Rodda’s.
Dr Jennifer Rowntree, Deputy Director of CRISPS, said: “As a university rooted in the heart of the Great South West, the Centre of Research excellence in Intelligent and Sustainable Productive Systems (CRISPS) is proud to support the launch of the AgriFood Growth Plan. The University of Plymouth plays a vital role in driving the region’s growth agenda—equipping graduates with the skills our industries need, forging diverse partnerships across business and the public sector, and delivering high-quality applied research that helps to strengthen and future‑proof the AgriFood sector. We are delighted to champion this work and to contribute to a thriving, innovative regional economy.”
Nicholas Rodda, Managing Director at Rodda’s, said: “We’re incredibly proud to support the Agrifood Growth Plan. As a business rooted in the South West for generations, we’ve seen first-hand the power of investing in our farmers, producers, and food innovators. This plan backs the people and partnerships that make our sector world-class whilst driving sustainable growth, strengthening rural communities, and ensuring British dairy continues to set the standard for quality and provenance.”
Richard Clothier MBE, Managing Director at Wyke Farms, said: “Wyke Farms is proud to support the Great South West’s Agrifood Industries Growth Plan. Our region has the
heritage, talent, natural resources, and the shared ambition to lead the UK and world in sustainable food production. The South West has the potential to be a global powerhouse producing and exporting the highest quality food products across the world. This growth plan is vital to helping farmers and food producers in the region articulate the fantastic potential that we have.”
The Great South West Partnership will now work with Government, investors, and delivery partners to translate the Agrifood Growth Plan into action, ensuring the region continues to play a leading role in securing the UK’s food future. Download the Agrifood Growth Plan Here
For more information, please contact: Isobel Shaw, isobel.shaw@program.agency
About the Great South West
The Great South West is a partnership of local authorities, universities and businesses working together to drive clean growth and champion the South West’s contribution to the UK economy. The region is poised to play a national role in energy security, food production, and marine innovation, building on its natural capital and industrial strengths.
Dated: 27th February 2026
