Report reveals East is national leader in UK crop productivity

Nearly 160,000 people are employed in the wider East of England within agricultural production and its supporting industries such as food processing, wholesale and haulage, according to a report commissioned by Agri-Tech.

The report which aims to provide a base-line of economy activity driven by agricultural and horticultural production, has revealed that he region is the most productive area of the country producing 85% of UK sugar beet, 53% of peas and beans, 46% of vegetables and salads, 33% of potatoes, 32% of wheat, 30% of ornamentals and 24% of oilseed rape.

The value of farm gate output is estimated to be £4.1bn or 18% of the UK total.

The agriculture sector in region is amongst the most dynamic, productive and progressive in the world, with a record of innovation, investment and of progressive businesses.

This includes 150 market leaders or larger companies in agricultural supply, farming, food processing, machinery, chemicals, seed, logistics, marketing and input co-operatives as well as a wide range of related companies. The depth and breadth is not seen in any other part of the UK.

There is also an unrivalled concentration of national public and private research capabilities in the area.

Dr Belinda Clarke, Director of Agri-TechE says that there is capacity to improve further. “The research was commissioned to provide a snap-shot of the situation now. It demonstrates clearly the contribution that agriculture and horticulture is making to the UK economy.

“We want to build on this and create added value by assisting the translation of research out into the field. We are seeing a tremendous appetite for innovation from all sectors of the agri-tech community and think that we are in the right place and the right time to make a difference.”