REASEHEATH College will pilot a scheme aimed at giving Nantwich’s agricultural sector a boost.

Cheshire East is one of 11 potential Food Enterprise Zones (FEZs)  announced by Elizabeth Truss, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Food Enterprise Zones are a government scheme is aimed at boosting the economy in the countryside, making it easier for food and farming businesses to grow.

Reaseheath College, in Nantwich, has been chosen to pilot the scheme in parallel with ten similar pathfinder projects throughout the UK.

Cheshire East Council Leader Michael Jones said:  “This is more excellent news for this part of the Borough and great news for our local farmers and food growers.

 “Food Enterprise Zones will help to unlock the potential of our local producers, food and agricultural businesses. It will encourage enterprise and job creation across the board, generating opportunity and innovation.

“The county of Cheshire and Cheshire farmers represent a great tradition and have been at the heart of the UK’s food production industry for centuries.

“Reaseheath College is a beacon of excellence in the agri-economy of the UK and is a glowing example of the breadth and depth of skills and innovation in and around the towns of Crewe and Nantwich.”

The Reaseheath enterprise zone, which will sit within the 272 hectares that form the Reaseheath Estate, will encompass five sites.

Schemes include a knowledge and development facility to demonstrate the use of drones and remote imaging to increase efficiency in crop production.

Grants of up to £50,000 will be made available for the initial process of establishing a Local Development Order, an essential step towards the creation of a FEZ.

Meredydd David, Principal of the college, said: “Reaseheath is delighted to be working with Cheshire East Council on securing Food Enterprise Zone status, as this will help the college to continue to support the agricultural, food manufacturing and rural businesses within the sub-region of the Local Enterprise Partnership and the surrounding counties.

“Defra’s selection of this project as a ‘pathfinder’ is recognition of the importance of the agriculture and food industry to the regional and national economy and the role that both Reaseheath College and Cheshire East Council play in supporting this hugely valuable industry.”