DELEGATES to the food and procurement conference at Reaseheath College will get to hear more about a pilot farm scheme aimed at boosting the rural economy.

Reaseheath heard in February that they had been successful – along with 11 other councils and enterprise partnerships – in the bid to become a pathfinder Food Enterprise Zone (FEZ).

The pilot project, which is expected to run for five years, is designed to stimulate huge growth in the rural economy and food supply chain and create new skills and jobs.

It is expected to deliver a £5.9 million return on investment per annum.

Reaseheath’s food and procurement conference takes place today at the College’s newly completed Centre for Horticulture, The Environment and Sustainable Technologies on November 26, starting at 10.30am.

Rachel Bailey, Cheshire East councillor and Cabinet member for rural matters, said: “Our rural areas are amazing places, made up of fantastic landscapes with communities that are passionate about where they live.

“They are a true asset to Cheshire East. We know that our rural economy is increasing in size and importance year on year.

“Food enterprise is an important part of that rural economy that we know has further potential, delivering jobs, helping to sustain the rural character of our area, reflecting local distinctiveness and contributing to the visitor economy.”

The project will be the first to benefit from the new Local Development Order initiative, which seeks to streamline the planning process – in this case allowing permitted development aimed at promoting rural businesses and rural enterprise in designated zones.

Cllr Bailey will outline the benefits of the Local Development Order to the rural economy at the conference.

George Eustace MP, Minister of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, will also be among the guest speakers.

The conference is a vital element prior to the formal consultation process that forms one of the many criteria to be met before the FEZ and local development order can be formerly adopted and recognised by the Secretary of State.

Cheshire East Council expects to learn in the New Year whether plans for developing the FEZ at the Nantwich college will be adopted by the Secretary of State.

If permitted, the zone will see new development within the grounds of the college, with an open-door policy to encourage SMEs and start-ups to grow and diversify within a rural knowledge-based setting together with incubator space, business and technical support.