Wales Community Food Strategy pledge

Plans to develop a locally grown and sustainably sourced food system is part of the Welsh government’s five-year programme for the 6th Senedd.

First minister Mark Drakeford reaffirmed his Labour government’s commitments last month, which includes a Wales Community Food Strategy, and introduction of a new system of farm support to “maximise the protective power of nature through farming”.

The programme described the strategy as part of a wider plan to “embed our response to the climate and nature emergency in everything we do” and will include the introduction of a Clean Air Act for Wales in line with World Health Organisation guidelines.

Drakeford said in the foreword that the programme was “founded on the distinctly Welsh values of community, equality, and social justice. It puts collaboration ahead of competition, showing how we will act to maximise fairness for all and eliminate inequality at every level of society.

“The Programme shows how we will act decisively to tackle the climate and nature emergency so that people can go on treasuring Wales’ rich natural resources for generations to come.”

Also outlined was the creation of a national forest extending from the north to the south of Wales, designating a new national park to cover the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, and create and improve green spaces.

Further green pledges include: strengthening local authority powers to protect the public and the environment; introducing legislation to deal with the legacy of mining and ensure site safety; banning some single use plastics; incentivising businesses to reduce their waste through an extended producer responsibility scheme.

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The Welsh government is to review the scope and future operation of the Food Standards Agency in Wales. Lynne Neagle, deputy minister for mental health and wellbeing, announced the review following the UK’s transition out of the EU, which she said has meant the agency’s role has “expanded significantly”.