Holbeach leading the way with food innovation but the cheap era is over

South Holland is leading the way with innovation in food - but farmers have warned that the ‘cheap era’ is over.

Organisations and businesses in South Lincolnshire have welcomed the Government’s Food Strategy, which aims to create a ‘prosperous’ agri-food industry while supporting the environment and tackling obesity at a time when prices are rising.

South Holland will play an important role in the future of the county’s food security as up to 30% is produced in or passes through the area - with 1,200 lorry loads leaving the district daily.

The work of the National Centre for Food Manufacturing in Holbeach, which is part of the University of Lincoln, is key to this as its innovations are looking at ways to produce quality low calorie foods.

Dean of the centre, Prof Val Braybrooks, said: “This is great news for Lincolnshire businesses and the university as it confirms that everything we have been doing is on the right lines.

“We are leading innovation for the food industry with alternatives to support healthy eating and producing quality fresh produce.”

One of the district’s farmers Chris Carter has welcomed the Government’s recognition of food security - but has said that shoppers will be seeing changes.

He said: “We can grow more of what you need but the Government needs to understand that the era of cheap food is over.

“Prices have gone up so dramatically - we have seen a 300% increase in the price of fertiliser for a start, and other costs have gone up massively.”