FOOD
SYSTEM

Through Innovation
& Collaboration

Transforming the

Our Ecosystem

We connect research organisations, local government, and innovative businesses. We facilitate innovation through partnership building and funding to drive economic growth and create a better food system for our region.

Testimonials

Hear from the innovators we've supported on their journey.

“Growing Kent & Medway has been a cornerstone in the successful launch of my business. Their holistic support, from practical resources and expert advice to community building, has made a significant difference.”

Nana Odama, Nutrinana's Activated Granola

Innovation

It's the key to transforming our food system.

100+

sustainable innovation projects funded for local businesses.

£9m

invested in research capabilities in Kent and Medway.

new plant-based food and drink-related products or processes brought to market.

262

collaborations created between research organisations and businesses.

Find Out More

Impact

From sustainable horticulture to innovative fresh produce

solutions, our support transforms ideas into impact.

Close-up of an apple with spots, casued by apple scab, on a tree. Green leaves surround it. The apple is red and yellow against a blurred garden background.

Finding Sustainable Solutions for Apple Scab with British Apples and Pears

British Apples and Pears, in collaboration with Niab, utilised one of our small grant programmes to trial novel treatments for apple scab. The project identified a promising alternative to lost chemical fungicides and proved that a risk-based spray programme could reduce application costs by £65 per hectare.

Growing Kent & Medway

4 min read

Workforce 2030: Agri-food Skills Strategy

Key recommendations to ensure the agri-food sector has the skilled workforce it needs to thrive into the future.

Growing Kent & Medway

2 min read

Man (Simon Barnes) with a headset speaks to a woman at the Sustainable Foods event. Background text reads "Sustainable Foods 2026." Engaging and informative mood.

Innovation for Food Systems: Simon Barnes at Sustainable Foods 2026

At the Sustainable Foods conference in London this week, Growing Kent & Medway Programme Director Simon Barnes shared his vision for how regional collaboration can bring together the fragmented UK food system. Speaking on Wednesday 28th January 2026, Simon explored the vital role that local government, businesses, and universities play in driving growth.

Growing Kent & Medway

3 min read

News

Reports

Case Studies