Food Sense Wales: Response to the Agriculture (Wales) Bill introduced on 27.09.22

On Tuesday, September 27th 2022, the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd made an oral statement in the Senedd on the Agricultural (Wales) Bill.

Here’s Food Sense Wales’ response:

Food Sense Wales welcomes the ambition and scope of the Agriculture (Wales) Bill introduced to the Senedd by the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd earlier this week. 

As the first Wales specific Agricultural Bill, this piece of legislation has the potential to transform our food system in Wales by supporting farmers to produce food sustainably; responding to the climate and nature crises, and contributing positively to Wales’ rural communities.

A thriving agricultural sector is vital for Wales – not only in terms of food, nature and climate – but also in terms of health, social prosperity, culture and language.  Food is central to all of our lives and we believe that investment in connected and resilient local food systems builds and retains wealth in Wales – economically, environmentally and socially – and helps to promote collaboration and inclusivity.

We look forward to seeing how the bill progresses and how it considers other relevant food-related policies and commitments, including a Community Food Strategy.  In the meantime, Food Sense Wales will continue to work with Welsh Government to ensure that sustainable and resilient food production is at the heart of this legislation.