Neighbourhoods and Communities
The Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food and reported at the end of January 2002. The central theme of their report, Farming and Food: A Sustainable Future, was reconnection. Reconnecting farmers with their market and the rest of the food chain; reconnecting the food chain with a healthy and attractive countryside; and reconnecting consumers with what they eat and where it has come from.
It set out a vision where “farming is fully integrated into the wider economy of rural areas” and looked towards consumers having confidence in locally produced food, and having access to a healthy and nutritious diet. The Government subsequently published its Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food Sustainable Farming and Food which builds on the report’s vision. It recognised that local authorities would be essential partners in developing and implementing the strategy through various services such as economic development, tourism, education and regulation.
Local authorities have a crucial role supporting revitalisation of rural communities and achieving economic and social regeneration. The LGA’s Rural Revival Inquiry in 2002 focussed on the role local government can play. The report Achieving Rural Revival concluded that local authorities, with their ability to facilitate partnership, by taking a strong community leadership role are uniquely placed to ensure rural needs are recognised and acted upon. Food related matters are clearly one of a number of areas relevant to rural communities. They are very likely to be part of rural community strategies. Food projects may be stand alone or part of wider initiatives benefiting communities.
The future role of local authorities in the rural agenda has been further reinforced by the recommendations found in Lord Haskins’ Report Rural Delivery Review and the David Eaves Review.
The LGA vision for local government entitled ‘Closer to People and Places’ prioritises both engagement with communities and realisation of economic potential.