Flintshire Agri-Food and Forestry Innovation Project
November 16, 2009
Project Area: Agri-food and Forestry
County: Flintshire
Project Officer: Lowri Williams
Axis: 4
What is the project?
The Flintshire Agri-Food and Forestry project can provide assistance and financial support to groups within rural Flintshire. The project will pilot new methods for Co-operation for the development of new products, processes and technologies in the agri-food and forestry sectors.
The project will aim to encourage and develop;
- Product Development
- Developing New Processes
- Supply Chain and Marketing
- Showcasing & Events
Cadwyn Clwyd will work with interested groups in order to develop and implement the initiatives.
Product Development – working with farm businesses and groups to trial growing of fruit, vegetables and herbs that are not traditionally cultivated in the area. There is no funding towards the purchase of seeds or plants but rather for training and consultancy advice.
Developing New Processes – consultancy advice available to develop new products or processes in the agri-food and forestry sectors. Funding may be available towards:
- feasibility studies
- marketing
- business planning advice
Supply Chain and Marketing – ensuring closer integration between primary producers and end users. Marketing initiatives to promote local products. Collaborative/joint marketing initiatives.
Showcasing / Events – trialling new methods of showcasing food products to visitors e.g. food events and raising awareness within the hospitality sector. The link between food and tourism will be explored in the showcasing element.
- Funding/support towards organising and implementing small-scale food events.
- Venue hire costs, small-scale equipment, publicity and marketing.
Capacity building activities for the group before events e.g. event planning/management, health and safety etc.
Case History
Cadwyn Clwyd are currently supporting numerous groups through the Agri-Food and Forestry Innovation project, examples include;
Developing and Promoting Local Food in Mold and its Hinterland
Mabis have now been appointed to work with a group in Mold to develop the offer of Local Food in Flintshire and the possible markets for these products as well as develop the ethos of Cittaslow in Mold Town Centre. Project partners include Mold Food and Drink Festival, Flintshire County Council, Cittaslow Mold and Mold Town Council. The study will research into current food producers and the hospitality sector as well as develop a business plan for a possible local to Mold retail hub.
Fruit, Veg and Herb group
Cadwyn Clwyd Officers have established a Fruit, Veg and Herb group that can offer members free agronomy advice from an ADAS specialist on their growing needs and opportunities. Promar International are also working on behalf of the group on a market research report into possible markets for the growers produce.
We are still welcoming new members into our group and aim to encourage horticulture within areas of rural Flintshire
If you would like any further information on becoming a member of the Fruit, Veg and Herb group – please contact the Cadwyn Clwyd project officer.
To find out more
If you would like any further information on the Agri-Food and Forestry Innovation Project in Flintshire or would like to discuss a project idea – please contact Lowri Williams by telephone on 01824705802 or via e-mail on Lowri.williams@cadwynclwyd.co.uk