A pioneering project, which brings together two of the county’s leading organisations, looks set to provide a welcome boost for Kent’s food, drink and agricultural community.
Kent County Council (KCC), which has been a major source of support and funding for the organisation since its inception, has entered into a joint-venture with Hadlow College, a leading land-based educational institution, to support the future development and activities of Produced in Kent. As Kent’s premier land-based college, and one of the top three such institutions in the UK, Hadlow has an established international reputation in this sector and welcomes students from around the world.
The new arrangement will give added support and expertise to Produced in Kent’s future activities and recently-appointed manager Julie Monkman said the tie-up was a logical step.
As well as representing members’ interests on a range of topics including food miles, local sourcing and packaging, the organisation regularly showcases the county to top chefs and food-buyers as well as staged food fairs and cooking competitions. It is also responsible for the acclaimed annual Taste of Kent Awards.
Monkman said: “Having the backing and support of both KCC and Hadlow College will be very beneficial for us. We have a proven track record of promoting the best the county has to offer in terms of food and drink and as we begin to focus on our lobbying activities in the public and private sectors, this arrangement will give us a bigger and better platform to shout from.”
The group’s key objectives for the future will be to support and provide services to Produced in Kent members, develop and stimulate the market for Kentish products in the public and private sectors, and develop a brand, which means value to its members and quality and provenance to the public.
Produced in Kent chairman Richard Long, who is also an elected member of KCC, said: “This new arrangement is great news for anyone involved in food and drink in the county. Two organisations, with very similar ideas and ideals at their core, are joining together to further enhance their capabilities.”
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