Agri-Tech West has a strong agri-food sector and well-established supply chains. It has a broad agricultural and horticultural base, an abundance of large and small food and drink manufacturers, an established engineering and technology sector (including agrichemicals and agricultural machinery) and globally renowned land-based and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education institutions. These strengths, plus the region adjoining some of the UK’s largest metropolitan areas and its excellent connectivity to the rest of the country, make it a prime location for global agri-food businesses. The alliance area covers one-tenth of the UK’s land area and has 6% of its population. 200,000 people are employed in the agri-food sector, equating to 13% of the region’s population.
Agri-Tech West helps businesses from across the food chain to increase productivity, profitability and environmental sustainability. It connects businesses to scientists, researchers, investors and most importantly, to each other, to encourage competition, trade, exporting and inward investment.
Agri-Tech West lobbies at national and international levels, showcasing the collective strengths in innovation, science, research and entrepreneurship. By doing this Agri-Tech West highlights the opportunities to be gained by investing in a region that has so much to offer.