Opinion: The Suffolk Food Summit on farmers and jobs

It brought together a rich tapestry of voices, from farmers and food producers to community activists and environmental advocates.

We were united by a shared mission: to tackle food poverty, build resilient local food networks and set Suffolk on a course to become a true Sustainable Food Place. 

The Suffolk Food Summit was part of a broader £1.5 million initiative by The Suffolk Public Sector Leaders Group (SPSL) to strengthen the county’s food ecosystem over the next three years.

This funding supports Community Action Suffolk (CAS) and its dedicated team in delivering on-the-ground assistance for food projects, working directly with community organisations to alleviate food hardship and ensure that nutritious, local food is accessible to all.

The Suffolk Food Summit was held at the Food Museum in Stowmarket (Image: Liz Nice)I am immensely proud to be part of this effort. It was truly heartening to witness first-hand the dedication and passion of everyone involved. 

One of the primary goals of this summit was to lay the groundwork for collaboration across the food sector. Together, we explored ways to strengthen community food networks, address systemic food waste, and champion local, sustainable food sources.  

Throughout the day, there were dynamic workshops, each one highlighting a different aspect of food sustainability and resilience.

I was particularly struck by the “Producers’ Perspective” workshop, where Suffolk’s farmers shared their challenges and opportunities for producing food locally while balancing sustainability. Listening to them, it was clear that Suffolk has unique agricultural strengths, and with targeted support, we can bolster local production, benefiting both our economy and our environment. 

Equally impactful was the workshop on “Building Healthy Communities,” where community food projects from across Suffolk shared insights on providing nutritious food to vulnerable populations.

Representatives from FoodCycle and other grassroots organisations spoke about the daily hurdles they face, from securing funding to increasing access to fresh ingredients. Their stories underscored the resilience of our communities and the importance of supporting these vital initiatives. 

One of the most compelling conversations centered on the pathways for young people to engage in agriculture and food production.

This isn’t just about addressing today’s challenges; it’s about investing in a sustainable future. By creating programs like FarmStarts, which supports new farmers and small-scale agricultural businesses, we’re planting the seeds for a new generation of food producers who prioritise both sustainability and local resilience.

The summit revealed that there’s a deep well of interest among young people in Suffolk who want to work in food and agriculture. Our task now is to build those bridges and ensure that young people have the resources, mentorship, and opportunities to pursue careers in these fields. 

The Suffolk Food Summit marked an incredible step forward, but it is only the beginning. This event will be followed by a second summit in spring 2026, allowing us to measure progress, share successes, and continue building partnerships. The roadmap we’re crafting is an ambitious one, aiming to elevate Suffolk as a beacon of sustainable food practices, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. 

I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Community Action Suffolk, the Eastern England Local Government Association, and the Suffolk County Council officers who made this event possible. Our journey toward food sustainability requires the collective effort of all Suffolk residents. Whether you’re a local business owner, a community advocate, or simply a concerned citizen, there are many ways to get involved. Supporting local food producers, reducing food waste at home, and volunteering with community food projects are just a few ways we can all contribute to a healthier, more sustainable Suffolk. 

I look forward to seeing the progress we make over the coming years, and I encourage everyone in Suffolk to join us in this important journey.