The future of the Welsh food and drink industry will be the subject of a new inquiry by a National Assembly committee.
The inquiry by the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee, is set against a background of concern that many Welsh food and drinks producers will suffer as a result of Brexit, if it involves losing unfettered access to a major export market.
The inquiry aims to look at how Wales can develop an affordable, accessible local food culture, making Wales an international destination for food and drink.
“There are many wonderful examples of high quality food and drink products from sea salt to chocolate to Welsh sparkling wine, not to mention our vital farming industry,” said Mike Hedges AM, Chair of the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee.
“We intend to look at how we can rethink the industry in Wales to make it more sustainable, more competitive in a crowded market, and how it can be better promoted to the world.
“We would like to hear from farmers, food producers, restauranteurs, and shop owners. Everyone connected with getting food from the field to the fridge.”
The full terms of reference for the inquiry are as follows:-
What is the future for food and drink in Wales? How can we rethink food in Wales so that we have:
- Healthy, locally produced food that is accessible and affordable;
- An innovative food industry sustaining high quality jobs;
- Sustainably produced food with high environmental and animal welfare standards; and
- An internationally renowned destination for food lovers.
What’s your vision for the future of food in Wales and what needs to be done to achieve it?
A consultation will be open for people to submit their own ideas and suggestions. The deadline is 14 September 2017. More information can be found on the Committee’s web pages and via its Twitter channel @SeneddCCERA.
The food and drink inquiry will be formally launched at the Royal Welsh Show in Llanelwedd on Thursday, 27 July.