Links

Other useful links to organisations relating to the horticulture, agriculture and food industry

District Authorities

• http://www.boston.gov.uk  Use 'A-Z' of Services' for 'planning applications and enquiries.'  Contains general advice about forward planning and development control or speak Richard Purcell on 01205 314200.
• http://www.e-lindsey.gov.uk  This part of the Council website has some general planning advice and contact details.  it directs users to the national planning portal website for more information and to download planning applications at http://www.planningportal.gov.uk or 01507 601111 and ask for Development Control.
• http://www.lincoln.gov.uk  Use the 'Services A-Z' for planning services.  This part of the Council website contains on-line application forms, guidance notes as well as a comprehensive contacts list.  For the Planning Hotline call 01522 873550.
• http://www.n-kesteven.gov.uk  Use the 'Services A-Z' for planning services.  North Kesteven are part of the planning portal network and provide several online services.  Value in Store" contact Alan Gray on 01529 414155.
• http://www.sholland.gov.uk  Some General planning and building control advice is available a well as information regarding flood risk which is an important issue in this part of the county.  For more information and to download planning applications visit http://www.planningportal.gov.uk.  For planning enquires call 01775 761161.
• http://www.west-lindsey.gov.uk  Detailed web site carrying a range of guidance notes, on-line application forms and information concerning forward planning, development and building control.  For planning enquiries call 01427 676676.
• http://www.southkesteven.gov.uk  Use the A-Z of Services for information on all the councils services including wide ranging advice and information on planning. For planning enquiries call 01476 406080.

Business Development / Support

• http://www.berr.gov.uk  With the aim of encouraging businesses to be more productive and successful, BERR can offer advice and assistance on a range of policies relating to the farming industry.
• http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/section.asp?sectiontype=listmixed&docid=26967&catid=1870 There are a number of funding programmes running in Lincolnshire to assist local projects.
• http://www.businesslink.gov.uk  Business Link Lincolnshire Rutland Ltd is part of a national network of Business Link operations delivering the Small Business Service, with the aim of providing a range of high class services to improve the competitive position of British businesses. For more information call 0845 757 4000.
• http://www.foodstandards.gov.uk  The Food Standards Agency is an independent food safety watchdog set up by an Act of Parliament in 2000 to protect the public's health and consumer interests in relation to food.
• http://www.igd.com  Website giving facts and information on aspects of the food and grocery industry. The site covers retailing, manufacturing, foodservice, farming, consumers, wholesaling, packaging and logistics.
• http://www.ruralaffairs.org.uk  The East Midlands Rural Affairs Forum (EMRAF) is the champion for the Rural East Midlands within the region. EMRAF aims to be the driver of the rural agenda in the East Midlands and the regional hub for information on rural issues.
• http://www.wireuk.org  To learn more about the opportunities and assistance available from the Women in Rural Enterprise East Midlands (WiRE) organisation, and how to get involved in Lincolnshire.
• http://www.atem.co.uk  ATEMS is a gateway that provides rural businesses in the East Midlands with access to specialist advice and training on any aspect of operating in a land-based business environment.
• www.eblex.org.uk  EBLEX Ltd (the Beef and Lamb Sector Company) aims to create a sustianble and competitive beef and lamb industry.  Funded by statutory levy, it delivers innovative technology transfer and market information services to businesses across the beef and lamb supply chain.

Educational Agriculture Sites

• http://www.bigbarn.co.uk  Visiting BigBarn, gives consumers the opportunity to buy meat, game, fish, fruit and vegetables, cheese and dairy products, drink, bakers' products and even nursery plants direct from the people who produce them.
• http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/agriculture/index_en.htm  EU Commission Agriculture - Advice, information and news on European Policies affecting agriculture and horticulture.
• http://www.lincoln.ac.uk/holbeach  University of Lincoln, Holbeach Technology Park - is the specialist food technology and food manufacturing centre of the University of Lincoln. In addition to the BSc Food Science and Manfacturing, Holbeach Campus is launching three new Foundation Degrees in Food Manufacture, Agriculture and Environment and Commercial Horticulture.
• http://www.nationalrural.org  National Rural Knowledge Exchange - is a service provided by universities and colleges for rural businesses and organisations. It puts rural businesses and organisations in touch with university services and aims to identify and promote successful examples of knowledge transfer in the rural sector.
• http://www.lincoln.ac.uk  University of Lincoln - The University of Lincoln provides a rnage of courses including agriculture, animal management and welfare, bioveterinary science, equine science, food science and manufacturing, tourism management and marketing. The courses are delivered from the Brayford Campus in Lincoln, the Riseholme Campus, North of Lincoln and the Holbeach Campus in the South of Lincolnshire, near Spalding.
• http://www.lincoln.ac.uk/riseholmecollege  University of Lincoln, Riseholme College - Riseholme College is an integral part of the University of Lincoln and works closely with local and regional agricultural, horticultural, animal and equine businesses offering a wide range of training and full time specialist courses.

Environment and Conservation

• http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk  The Environment Agency is the leading public body for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales. It's their job to make sure that air, land and water are looked after by everyone in today's society, so that tomorrow's generations inherit a cleaner, healthier world.
• http://www.fwag.org.uk  Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) exists to provide farmers, landowners and other clients with the best opportunity for environmental gain through cost effective quality solutions. FWAG provides farmers and landowners with practical advice on making adjustments to farm operations and enhancing farm features in order to support wildlife, landscape, archaeology, access and other conservation issues.
• http://www.lincstrust.co.uk  The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust is a voluntary charitable organisation which cares for Lincolnshire's wildlife and countryside. It is one of 47 similar Wildlife Trusts covering the UK which are affiliated to the Royal Society for Nature Conservation. The Trust collaborates closely with many official and voluntary organisations including English Nature and the Countryside Commission, County and District Councils, the Country Landowners Association, the Environment Agency and many others. It is regularly consulted by all these bodies on planning, land management and other countryside matters.
• http://www.voluntaryinitiative.org.uk  The Voluntary Initiative was accepted by the Government on the 1st April 2001, in place of a proposed tax on pesticides used in agriculture and horticulture. The initiative was put forward by seven signatory organisations led by the Crop Protection Association. It will last for five years and the estimated annual cost to the crop protection industry will be approximately £2.1 million. In addition, it has been estimated that it will cost farmers in the UK £11 million per year to implement the package of measures on individual farms.
• http://www.visitlincolnshire.com  The website of Lincolnshire Tourism holds information about visiting the Lincolnshire. In particular the website holds information on locations to stay, places to eat and information on interesting events and projects occurring around the county. To find out more follow the link.

Food and Farming

• http://www.farmline.com  Information sire relating to farming including news, weather and price information, classifieds and information relating to arable, livestock and dairy farming.
• http://www.foodcampus.com  A new website providing individuals working in and around East Midlands Food companies with access to industry specific information and advice. Whether you are an owner, manager or an employee of a food company, an individual thinking of entering the industry, an inward investor or an adviser working on behalf of a food company, this site has something for you. From local events and information on training providers through to technical advice on packaging or legislation, Foodcampus.com provides a framework for you to solve current issues and exploit future opportunities.
• http://www.farmersmarkets.net  The National Association of Farmers Markets exists to promote and support Farmers; Markets throughout the UK. They assist in the setting up of new markets as well as encouraging producers to get to market. The certification scheme accredits markets that are operating within the guidelines set by the association so that shoppers can be confident that the food they are buying is truly local and has been grown, bred, caught, picked, brewed or baked by the stallholder themselves. You can find the dates and location of your nearest farmers market from this website. For more information email: nafm@farmersmarkets.net
• http://www.mlcclassification.org.uk  The Meat and Livestock Commission's authentication services provide accurate and consistent technical assessments of beef, sheep and pig carcases. In particular, authentication of carcase identity, dressing specification and weight are essential features of the services.
• http://www.eblex.org.uk  EBLEX is the new body that represents the Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC) beef and lamb levy payers in England. It was created to give English cattle and sheep farmers direct control over the setting and execution of our own strategic priorities and spending.
• http://www.britishwool.org.uk  The British Wool Marketing Board operates a central marketing system for UK fleece wool with the aim of achieving the best possible net returns for farmers. To find out more about the service provided visit the website.
• http://www.cropprotection.org.uk  The Crop Protection Association is the United Kingdom trade body representing those companies engaged in manufacture, formulation and distribution of pesticide products for agriculture, forestry, horticulture, gardening, industrial, amenity and Local Authority uses.  Our products include those that are chemical, biological and biotechnological in nature.
• http://www.tastesoflincolnshire.com  Tastes of Lincolnshire is a Lincolnshire County Council/European Union funded project encouraging people to choose local foods and drink. Producers, shops and farm shops, farmhouse and guesthouses, hotels, pubs, cafes, restaurants, supplying local produce are flying the Tastes of Lincolnshire flag, making them easily recognised. To find out how to get involved go to our website.
• http://www.hgca.com  Home Grown Cereals Authority (HGCA) works to improve the production, wholesomeness and marketing of UK cereals and oilseeds to increase their competitiveness in the UK and overseas markets. To find out more use the link above.
• http://www.rabi.org.uk  The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) is the only charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland that gives financial assistance to members of the farming community when they are facing hardship. Annually, it awards grants totalling more than £3 million to retired, disabled and working farming families who are struggling to make ends meet.
• http://www.npa-uk.net  National Pig Association - Providing a service to pig farmers throughout the UK, this site holds information on a range of policies and issues affecting the pig farming industry.
• http://www.fwi.co.uk  Farmers Weekly Interactive was first launched in 1997 and since that time has concentrated on delivering, on a daily basis, the very latest news, market and business information.
• http://www.mtj.co.uk  Meat Trades Journal is the UK's leading weekly business newspaper for professionals in the meat & poultry industry.
• http://www.rase.org.uk  Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE) - Dozens of organisations represent sectors of the agricultural and rural world. Only one, the RASE, offers a joined up approach to the multitude of countryside issues. The Society has a long term vision and a strategic approach. Policy development work, high level influence on Government and significant education effort in schools  also lie at the heart of the RASE's purpose.
• http://www.britishlivestockgenetics.com  British Livestock Genetic Consortium (BLG) - is a National pan-industry consortium formed to to assist in the development and maintenance of profitable long-term business generated by exports of British livestock and genetics. To do this by creating a positive, favourable image in international markets and promoting Britain as a supplier of high quality animals and germplasm.
• http://www.parliament.uk  The United Kingdom Parliament - Information on news and events, bills before parliament, MPs and Offices and related publications.
• http://www.bordercollierescue.org  Border Collie Rescue - Website holds information about resettlement and re-homing of Border Collies.#
• http://www.lincolnshiresausages.co.uk/   The Lincolnshire Sausage Association's (LSA) campaign to secure European Union protective status for the Lincolnshire Sausage received a boost at this year's Lincolnshire Show as the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) backed the campaign and joined the association.
• http://www.yourfoodjob.com  Your Food Job is a Food Industry Recruitment website which charges companies to advertise their vacancy.  This company works directly with some of the major UK food manufacturers providing them with solutions for their recruitment needs.
• http://www.naac.co.uk  The National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) represents contractors in the UK who supply all types of land-based services to farmers, government, local authorities, sports and recreational facilities. All land-based contractors are welcome as members, whether they are large or small businesses, specifically land, livestock or amenity based, farmers with a contracting sideline or whole farm contractors.

Department of Health Websites

• http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publichealth/Healthimprovement/Fiveaday  All about the Department of Health 5 a day campaign, raising the awareness and promoting the consumption of 5 portions of fruit or vegetables per day.

Government Offices

• http://www.ruralaffairs.org.uk  The East Midlands Rural Affairs Forum (EMRAF) provides a forum for sharing information on issues and initiatives affecting rural areas.  EMRAFs role is to champion rural interests in the Region by identifying issues of concern, giving views on new regional proposals and consultations and promoting the development of regional initiatives with the aim to improve the quality of life in the Regions rural areas.

Bio-Energy

• http://www.lincolnshirelowcarbon.com  For details of the Lincolnshire LIGHT that is a scheme for those considering a biomass system. LIGHT can provide advice, feasibility study and capital grants.
• http://www.biomassenergycentre.org.uk  This one stop shop for biomass provides a central point for all biomass related queries plus information on grant availability, equipment, supply chains etc.

Food East

• http://www.foodeast.com  FoodEast website is an information and networking service for food and farming companies in the East of England.

• http://www.jarsandbottles-store.co.uk Pattesons Glass is a Lincolnshire based glass packaging supplier. We supply glass jars and glass bottles to some of the main manufacturers within the food and beverage industries.