University contributes to ambitious plan for food security and growth

Our academics have worked with partners across the Great South West consortium on the new Agrifood Growth Plan

University contributes to ambitious plan for food security and growth

Our academics have worked with partners across the Great South West consortium on the new Agrifood Growth Plan

27 February 2026

Researchers from the University of Plymouth have helped to develop a new Agrifood Growth Plan, showcasing the South West as a national leader in food security, productivity, and sustainable agrifood growth.

Delivered through the Great South West consortium, the plan sets out a clear, evidence-led strategy to unlock long-term growth across farming, fishing, food manufacturing, and agrifood technology – sectors critical to the UK’s economic resilience and future food supply.

It was supported by the University’s Centre of Research excellence in Intelligent and Sustainable Productive Systems (CRISPS), which is focused on addressing the challenge of sustainably feeding a global population of 9 billion.

It also includes examples of several University-led projects, including The Plymouth Fish Finger – which aims to provide an affordable way of increasing fish intake for local communities – and our ongoing work monitoring the recovery of Lyme Bay and supporting sustainable aquaculture practices.

Representatives from CRISPS attended the formal launch of the plan at a House of Commons reception, which included contributions from parliamentarians, business leaders, and academic partners.

It followed a day of engagement with senior policymakers and industry leaders including a roundtable discussion at Portcullis House, bringing together senior leaders from across the Great South West’s agrifood businesses with Government to discuss how to boost long-term growth in an industry so crucial to the nation’s economic future and resilience.

As a university rooted in the heart of the Great South West, the Centre of Research excellence in Intelligent and Sustainable Productive Systems (CRISPS) is proud to support the launch of the AgriFood Growth Plan. The University of Plymouth plays a vital role in driving the region’s growth agenda – equipping graduates with the skills our industries need, forging diverse partnerships across business and the public sector, and delivering high-quality applied research that helps to strengthen and future‑proof the AgriFood sector. We are delighted to champion this work and to contribute to a thriving, innovative regional economy.

Dr Jennifer Rowntree
Associate Professor in Ecological Genetics and Deputy Director of CRISPS

A roundtable discussion at Portcullis House brings together senior leaders from across the Great South West’s agrifood businesses with Government

The Agrifood Growth Plan highlights the Great South West’s outsized contribution to the UK food system – the region accounts for 11% of England’s agricultural output, over a third of England’s dairy farms, and is England’s premier fishing region.

Across the food chain, the sector generates over £10 billion in gross value added and supports around 320,000 jobs, underlining its national economic and strategic importance.

The plan sets out how, with the right conditions for investment and innovation, the Great South West can continue to play a central role in delivering national priorities – from food security and supply chain resilience to productivity growth and net zero – while creating skilled jobs, and supporting rural and coastal communities.

The Great South West already plays a critical role in how the UK feeds itself, from primary production through to processing, innovation, and export. This Agrifood Growth Plan sets out how the region can go further, strengthening national food security and building greater resilience into UK supply chains. This Plan captures the region’s core strengths and the priority actions needed, rooted in the realities of the food system, and shaped by extensive research and consultation with partners. With the right investment and policy alignment, the Great South West can continue to be a cornerstone of a more secure, sustainable, and competitive food economy.

Karl Tucker
Chair of the Great South West Partnership and Chair of Yeo Valley

Representatives from CRISPS attended the formal launch of the Agrifood Growth Plan at a House of Commons reception, which included contributions from parliamentarians, business leaders, and academic partners

The Westminster launch was supported by CRISPS, Wyke Farms, and Rodda’s.

The Great South West Partnership will now work with Government, investors, and delivery partners to translate the Agrifood Growth Plan into action, ensuring the region continues to play a leading role in securing the UK’s food future.

Download the Agrifood Growth Plan