Farmers and food producers across Gloucestershire will benefit from €370,000 of European funds – equivalent to around £310,000 – secured by Gloucestershire County Council to help the county’s food and farming sector.
The new investment will fund research and engagement initiatives as part of the council's Supporting Gloucestershire’s Farming Businesses Strategy 2026-2030, which provides a framework for working with farmers, food producers, businesses, education providers and other partners to help the sector grow, innovate and remain resilient over the next four years.
This new strategy, approved by cabinet this October 2026, aims to champion and promote the sector, develop skills and innovation, support resilient and sustainable businesses, and strengthen collaboration across the industry.
It supports the ambitions of Gloucestershire’s Local Growth Plan, which identifies food production and agri-tech as priority sectors for economic growth.
A major part of the work will be supported by Gloucestershire's involvement in the four-year European-funded programme HARVEST (Harnessing Agricultural Renewal via Voice, Economics and Social Transformation) to explore the future of farming and rural communities, which will be delivered in partnership with the Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI) at the University of Gloucestershire.
The council has secured the €370,000 of funding through the HARVEST project, to support research, engagement activities and initiatives to help shape the future of Gloucestershire’s food and farming sector, which plays a vital role in supporting the county's economy, environment and rural communities.
Around 8,000 people work in agriculture across the county, and farming businesses manage more than 70 per cent of Gloucestershire’s land.
Plans for the funding include creating more opportunities for local businesses to connect with buyers, retailers, hospitality businesses and tourism organisations, helping strengthen local supply chains, boost the visitor economy and support growth across Gloucestershire's food and farming sector.
Councillor Julian Tooke, cabinet member for business, economic development, planning and infrastructure, said: ‘Food and farming are at the heart of Gloucestershire’s economy, landscape and way of life. Our farmers and food producers make a huge contribution to the county, supporting jobs, businesses, communities and the environment.
‘This strategy provides a clear direction for how we can work alongside the sector to help businesses thrive, encourage innovation, develop skills and create new opportunities for growth.'
