West Lindsey District Council has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the region’s agricultural and agri-tech sectors through the **Agricultural Growth Zone (Agri-Zone)**, a strategic initiative designed to foster innovation, attract investment, and develop a skilled workforce. The Agri-Zone, centred around the **A15 Growth Corridor**, forms part of the broader **UK Food Valley**—a network linking food enterprise zones, research institutions like the University of Lincoln’s Riseholme Campus, and key infrastructure to create a dynamic ecosystem for agri-tech businesses and primary production.
The council’s pledge came during a visit to the **Lincoln Institute of Agricultural Technology (LIAT)**, where councillors and industry stakeholders explored how campus-based businesses are pioneering solutions to enhance farming efficiency. Among the attendees was **Cllr Jackie Brockway**, Leader of West Lindsey District Council, who emphasised the council’s support for LIAT’s ambition to become the UK’s leading agri-tech cluster. “This growth will help West Lindsey’s future-facing economy flourish,” she said, highlighting the potential for job creation, skills development, and the modernisation of local farming.
A key feature of the visit was a tour of the **Barclays Eagle Lab**, where delegates heard from **SmartFert Ltd**, a business that began in the incubator five years ago. The company now specialises in converting low-value agricultural residues into high-performance renewable fertilisers—a testament to the Agri-Zone’s role in nurturing scalable innovation.
**Effie Warwick-John**, UK Food Valley Programme Manager, underscored the importance of local government backing in building a robust business ecosystem. “Our start-ups are developing world-leading innovations,” she noted, “but success depends on a supportive infrastructure—one that West Lindsey is helping to create.”
The Agri-Zone’s economic potential is substantial. Projections suggest that by **2035**, the initiative could generate **£165 million in Gross Value Added (GVA)**, create **731 jobs**, and contribute **£94.5 million to the food chain** and **£31 million to agri-tech**. These figures position the Agri-Zone not just as a local asset but as a **national economic driver**, reinforcing Lincolnshire’s reputation as a hub for agricultural innovation.
**Sally Grindrod-Smith**, Director of Planning, Regeneration, and Communities at West Lindsey, framed the initiative within the district’s broader economic strategy. “West Lindsey is uniquely placed to leverage strengths in defence, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing alongside agri-tech,” she said. “Our goal is to cultivate a **multi-sector skills and innovation cluster**, supported by proactive public-sector collaboration.”
The visit followed a **cross-sector networking event** co-hosted by the UK Food Valley and the Greater Lincolnshire Defence and Security Cluster, which explored overlaps between agri-tech and defence innovation. **James Makinson-Sanders**, Economic Growth Manager at West Lindsey, noted the synergies: “Both sectors rely on cutting-edge technology to enhance resilience. Events like these help businesses identify shared opportunities—whether in automation, data analytics, or sustainable resource management—and strengthen Lincolnshire’s economic foundations.”
By aligning business, academia, and local government, the Agri-Zone is positioning West Lindsey as a **national leader in agri-tech innovation**. The initiative’s success could serve as a blueprint for how regional economies can diversify, modernise traditional industries, and secure a competitive edge in the UK’s future economy. With sustained investment and collaboration, the Agri-Zone may well redefine Lincolnshire’s role in the country’s agricultural and technological landscape.