06.02.04
Cornish Growers Get Second Phase of Support

A major project to support Cornwall's horticultural industry has got the go-ahead for a second phase of Objective One investment.

Over the past two years, Cornish Horticulture Enterprises (CHE) has provided a gateway project for the industry that has supported more than 80 small businesses across Cornwall, putting £2.3 million into strengthening the sector through targeted investment.

Now, following the success of that first phase, CHE has had the next stage of the project approved – which will be worth a further £3.8 million, provided by a combination of European investment delivered through Objective One and support from the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

The next stage of the project will run from January 2004 until December 2006 and will see CHE using its delegated scheme to deliver the investment across all sectors of Cornwall's horticulture industry.

Lord Whitty, Minister for Farming and Food at Defra said: "I think it is excellent news that Defra is able to provide nearly £1.9 million worth of investment to the horticultural industry in Cornwall through this project. I fully support Cornish Horticulture Enterprises' aim of securing the long term sustainability and profitability of their local industry. By improving skills, marketing, and processing of local produce they are leading the way and I wish them every success in the creation of successful new enterprises."

CHE project director Steve Tones said: "This is extremely good news. Phase I supported the capital investment in high quality packing, storage, grading, marketing and retail facilities as well as revenue investment in marketing, product development and technology transfer activities.

"Phase II of the project will support businesses that have a clearly focussed strategic approach with genuine collaboration."

Programme facilitator Roger Whilding added: "To remain profitable, each sector – be it potatoes, vegetables, flowers, fruit, bulbs, foliage and plants – must continue to add value to primary production, either by processing more produce, creating new products or developing and supplying new markets."

In addition to providing capital and revenue investment, CHE is also tasked with developing and driving some spearhead initiatives – such as developing local supply networks for edible crops in association with Cornwall Taste of the West. Other aims include the further development of regional brands – like Cornish King, further development of packaging technology and the evaluation of technology-based labour and cost management systems.

David Rodda, who leads the Cornwall Agricultural Council's development team, welcomed news of the project's second phase, saying: "This project is an example of how Objective One can facilitate change and encourage initiative in an important sector of the agricultural economy."

Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Objective One Partnership added: "The CHE project places a strong emphasis on the need for investment in training and technology transfer, as well as in adding value to Cornish produce, building new markets and strengthening existing ones. The investment is also being used to develop the skills and physical capacity of many small businesses.

"This is an excellent example of how European investment is being used to strengthen our economic base at its grassroots and deliver the benefits of Objective One to rural communities across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly."

Phase II of the CHE project has now begun and any businesses interested in further information should contact CHE Ltd on 01392 890405 or via www.chenet.org.uk

Editor's notes:

European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF)

EAGGF is one of the four funds that make up the Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, which is making £314 million of investment available to support the local economy between 2000 and 2006.

EAGGF aims to:

For further information contact:

Roger Whilding
Cornish Horticulture Enterprises
01626 890405

Jason Clark
Communications Adviser
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Tel: 01872 241379
Fax: 01872 241388
objectiveone@cornwall.gov.uk

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