New Farming & Food Manager out and about

Tuesday, 13th November 2007

Categories: General News, Business Support, Green & Local

New farming and food manager out and about

Work to help farmers to collaborate more effectively - whether it's with each other, their suppliers, their customers or those who sell or use their products - has been boosted with the appointment of a new, regional manager with English Farming and Food Partnerships (EFFP).

Sue Scott - whose post is funded by regional development agency One NorthEast - will provide dedicated business support to groups of farmers who want to work together to improve their profitability and sustainability and to existing farmer-controlled businesses across North East England. She will also work with food, non-food and biofuels processors and manufacturers to increase the amount of local farm produce they source.

Sue said: "For many farmers, more collaboration may spell more profit. There will never be a better time for farmers to examine their options for business development and consider whether there is scope for them to buy their inputs more competitively, or whether if they got together with others they could produce for more profitable markets and address these more effectively and efficiently.

"Consumers are increasingly concerned about climate change and food provenance, and these bring opportunities for the farming and food industry. I'll be working across the entire supply chain within the North East to enable more farmers to take advantage of these trends, and identifying and helping those in the food industry who want to increase their supply of regional produce."

Frances Rowe, One NorthEast Rural and Environment Manager, said: "The farming sector makes a hugely important contribution to the regional economy. But, as in all industries, farmers must continually look for new ways to maximise efficiency and productivity and to access new markets for their produce. Clearly, this is all the more vital against the backdrop of foot and mouth, bluetongue and the effects of climate change.
"This post is an extra resource for farmers to find ways to work together more closely and to develop their links with suppliers, new customers and retailers, and we're looking forward to working with Sue in seizing these opportunities in the region."

Before joining EFFP, Sue ran her own consultancy and project management business focusing on small and medium sized enterprises, working across a range of industries - including agriculture - carrying out strategic reviews, feasibility studies, business planning and market research for private sector clients as well as managing delivery of the Farm Business Advice Service in the South East and West Midlands.

She also works for Cranfield School of Management as a counsellor on their acclaimed Business Growth & Development Programme where she assists owner managers of ambitious businesses to create plans to achieve their goals.

David Hall, EFFP's North West Regional Manager, said: "EFFP is pleased that Sue has joined the team, bringing with her a wealth of experience from the food and farming sector. This appointment gives a dedicated source of support and advice to farmers that are looking to collaborate to add value to their produce or improve efficiency. Support is also available to processors and manufacturers that are looking to develop collaborative supply chains of regional produce for their businesses."

EFFP is a national, not-for-profit member organisation whose aim is to make collaboration work through the growth of market-focused and professionally-run farmer controlled businesses. It develops co-operation and partnership activities - not only between farmers but also between farmers and supply chains.

Sue can be contacted on 07912465114, or by emailing sscott@effp.co.uk

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