Devon’s Food Economy - Matt Lobley. Presented at the celebration of the work by farmers and food producers doing great things for Devon’s natural environment on October 6th, held at West Town Farm, Ide, Exeter.

1. THE FOOD ECONOMY
OF DEVON
Matt Lobley

2. • Primary production
• Food & drink manufacturing
“Core agri- • Food & drink wholesaling
food industry” • Specialist food & drink retailing
• Non-specialist predominately food & drink retailing
“Secondary • Food & beverage services
food sectors”
• Accommodation
“Food
related”

3. Employment in the agri-food sector (2009-10)
All other employment Core ag-food Secondary food Food related
GB 85 4.5 9.1 1.4
9 3
Devon 77
10
Cornwall 71 11.3 12.6 5
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

4. The value of the agri-food sector
2008 GVA
Sector share of total GVA
£m
Devon Devon GB
Agriculture £302 2.8% 0.6%
Fishing £11 0.1% 0.0%
Food and Drink manufacturing £156 1.4% 1.5%
F&D wholesale distribution £105 1.0% 0.9%
Retail - Specialist food £39 0.4% 0.4%
Core agri-food industry £612 5.6% 3.4%
Food and beverage services £334 3.1% 1.9%
Retail - non-specialists predominantly F&D £243 2.2% 1.7%
Secondary food industries £577 5.3% 3.6%
Accommodation £195 1.8% 0.6%
All agri-food related industries £1,384 12.8% 7.6%
All industries £10,847 100.0% 100.0%

5. Trends & critical issues
Small increase in dairy output. Continued increase in yields and
concentration of production. Beef numbers now close to pre-FMD
peak & sheep back down to level of 30 years ago. Export
opportunities.
Fruit and veg experiencing increased competition. Suffering effects
of poor weather over last 2 years. Impact of recession on changing
patterns of demand.
Baked products – strong demand for artisanal baked goods but
significant competition from supermarkets and rising costs.

6. Trends & critical issues
• Highly diverse business structure with many
businesses focusing on local and regional markets
• Virtually all sectors/sub-sectors facing significant
cost-price squeeze
• Increased attention on costs. Opportunities to
promote alterative energy solutions & cooperative
working.
• Degree of optimism and buoyancy not reflected in
official figures

7. Download the full report at:
www.centres.ex.ac.uk/crpr