Presentation - National/International Rural Regeneration perspectives by Professor Ian Swingland
Additional documents:
Minutes:
1. Professor Swingland gave a presentation that set out the success he had in rural regeneration in Cumbria and Wales through local projects where crops were delivered and sold locally by self funding food co operatives, and responded to comments and questions from Members.
2. In discussion, the following points were highlighted:-
a) farmers that received subsidies were happy to find a local market.
b) the projects were driven by local people and offered the opportunity to promote healthier diets, cooking, and an opportunity to raise awareness with school children on local produce.
c) The cooperative was a good example of the “Big Society”. Kent already had similar organisation eg Produced in Kent; Action in Kent and Hadlow College.
3. The Cabinet Member, Mr Lynes agreed with the sentiment of the “Big Society” although the idea of a food cooperative was not a new idea the proposals that Prof Swingland made were on a vast scale. He referred to SILK, which operated on a similar basis on a smaller scale. He considered that the proposals within the presentation could be discussed with Kent Rural PLC and the Food Sector Advisory Group. Prof Swingland advised that he would be happy to take part in any future discussions.
4. Resolved that the information set out in the presentation and given in the responses to Members comments and questions be noted and that the presentation notes be circulated to the POSC.