The GIC is proud to contribute to Lancashire’s ambitions for innovation-led growth, food security, skills development and economic resilience.
Recognised within Lancashire’s Growth Plan, the Consortium brings together businesses, researchers, educators and policymakers to explore how innovation in food production and protected horticulture can support regional priorities and national food security objectives.
Much of this work is still emerging. While several projects have already delivered tangible outputs, many of the partnerships, initiatives and opportunities described here are currently being developed with regional stakeholders. The GIC sees its role as helping to create the evidence, connections and collaborative environment needed to support long-term growth across Lancashire and the wider North West.
Building the evidence base for Lancashire’s food economy
The GIC’s contribution to regional food system discussions builds upon a long history of work undertaken by organisations, businesses and community groups across Lancashire. Initiatives such as The Larder, led by Kay Johnson MBE, helped stimulate important conversations around local food production, procurement, resilience and the role of Lancashire’s food economy.
Working with Preston City Council, the GIC subsequently undertook one of the first systematic mappings of primary food producers across Lancashire. The project provided a clearer understanding of the county’s agricultural sector, identifying who is producing food, where production takes place and the diversity of businesses that contribute to Lancashire’s food economy.
This work created an important evidence base for future discussions around food security, procurement, supply chains and agricultural innovation. Building on these findings, the GIC contributed to the development of the Can Lancashire Feed Itself? Report, which explored Lancashire’s current food production across the sectors. The report is currently under consultation with DEFRA.
Together, these projects have helped inform regional discussions involving local authorities, businesses, community organisations and DEFRA, while contributing to the development of the Lancashire Food Partnership and wider conversations around food security within Lancashire’s Growth Plan.
Looking Ahead
As Lancashire continues to implement its Growth Plan, the GIC remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen food security, encourage innovation, develop skills and attract investment. Many of these opportunities are still evolving and will require collaboration across organisations and sectors.
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