An ambitious plan to boost the very best of Welsh produce for local people has been proposed.
The consultation for the Food (Wales) Bill, which aims to strengthen and promote the best of Welsh food and drink, has now been published, meaning members of the public can share their views.
The objectives of the proposed bill are:
- Introducing ‘Food Goals’: including a ‘primary food goal’ to put in place an overarching duty for the provision of affordable, healthy, and economically and environmentally sustainable food; supplemented by ‘secondary food goals’ in specific areas;
- Establishing a Welsh Food Commission: including powers to monitor and report on progress towards Government commitments, as well as statutory commitments, and to oversee the delivery of the Food Goals and food plans;
- National Food Strategies and Local Food Plans: to require public bodies to have regard for existing policy and legislative commitments – including the Future Generations Act, as well as international agreements such as the UN Development Goals – when designing food policy;
- Tackling food waste: reducing the food waste created by food producers and consumers is set out as one of the secondary food goals.
Peter Fox, the Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Finance who has introduced the draft Bill, said:
“The very heart of my Bill ensures local produce is available for local people.
“This Bill, which has had cross party support, is a welcome reminder of the good that can be achieved when party politics is put aside.
“If you feel passionate about local produce, I urge you to fill in the consultation.”
Samuel Kurtz, the Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire and Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs, added:
“Ensuring Wales’ future food security is a principle that every person, regardless of their political persuasion, can – and should – get behind.
“The Bill provides a vital framework which will make Wales healthier and safer. I join my colleague, Peter Fox, in encouraging you to complete the consultation.”
