A Europe-wide agricultural project will drive up jobs, business and tourism in Abergavenny, a local councillor has said.

Abergavenny is the first UK town to sign up to the Agri-Urban network, joining groups in every major European country.

Working with farmers, unions, schools, colleges, small food producers, Team Abergavenny and tourism groups, councillors hope to boost the area’s vital sectors.

Volunteers have already started drumming up ideas for the improvement of the agricultural economy and environment in and around Abergavenny.

The project works by networking with European neighbours and sharing ideas and schemes on how to make improvements in agriculture and food production.

Members are currently focused on shortening the supply chain to help local producers develop and find new markets, access to land for sustainable land management and other agricultural uses, promoting employment and entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector, getting local products into public spheres like schools and hospitals.

Meetings have taken place in Mollet Del Valles in Spain and Huy in Belgium where Councillor John Prosser, and representatives for Abergavenny watched demonstrations by local food producers and shared ideas with other representatives.

“The Local Group of volunteers are making good progress in identifying the issues which relate directly to our local area and looking directly at how we can use this programme for the benefit of local producers, farmers and other associated sectors and businesses,” said Councillor Prosser.

If you would like to learn more or join the volunteers please contact Cllr John Prosser on 01873 850534 or email [email protected]

The Project is funded by the European Union match funded by Monmouthshire County Council.