Having grown up around a farming community, and having worked supporting the industry with the National Farmers’ Union, I am passionate about backing 21stC farming and the major contribution it makes to our rural economy and landscape, growth, jobs and opportunities in our area. New technologies are enabling a new C21st farming using fewer inputs such as water, energy, plastic and chemicals, helping our farmers and growers produce ‘more with less’. And our area is leading the way.

That’s why I co-ordinated and launched the first ever Agri-Tech Industrial Strategy back in 2013, and why I was delighted to open the Agrimetrics Institute at Rothamsted Research with £11.8m of Government investment and nearly £18m for a new round of Agri-Tech Catalyst Fund, all part of the £160m Agri-Tech Industrial Strategy backing Norfolk farmers and agriculture in the Eastern region (click here for more info).

Having devised and co-ordinated the first ever UK Agri-Tech Industrial Strategy, I believe this is a major opportunity for the Eastern region, one I have been leading through the launch of the Agri-Tech East Research Partnership with Lord Sainsbury to drive Cambridge and Norwich links. I’m really pleased that under the leadership of Belinda Clarke, Agri Tech East is ensuring our region benefits. Through the dualling of the A11 and investment in an Agri-Tech 'Innovation Corridor’ we can fuel the creation of new jobs and opportunities.

This is the latest step in the £160m Agri-Tech Industrial Strategy which is now going from strength to strength, making sure the UK leads the world in the Science of Sustainability, winning international plaudits, generating growth and opportunity, and helping unlock 21stC Agriculture leadership in the UK.

The announcement was covered by the BBC Farming Today programme with an interview with me on Monday (listen here) and featured in the Horticulture Week (click here).