22/7/2009

A food champion is needed to boost promotion of the Welsh food industry, says a new report.

Too many food strategies from the Welsh Government are hampering the production and promotion of Welsh food, according to the National Assembly for Wales’ Rural Development Sub-Committee.

They are calling for a food champion to be appointed in order oversee and coordinate the food promotion agenda in Wales.

This is one of the key recommendations contained in the report of their inquiry into the production and promotion of Welsh food which is published today.

During the inquiry, the committee also heard evidence from NFU Cymru that there had been a loss of momentum in the food agenda since the Welsh Development Agency had become part of the Welsh Government.

“Whilst we accept that it is the intention of the Minister and her officials that the various strategies and policies fit together to provide a cohesive framework,� said committee chair, Alun Davies AM.

“The committee is concerned that the perception of external organisations is one of a lack of coherence and joined-up working.

“We also found claims regarding the loss of expertise worrying.

“At one time the Welsh Government was seen as leading on innovation, support and development and we believe that a fully coherent Welsh food promotion policy is now needed to bring us back to that position.�

Other key recommendations in the report include:

The committee felt that the new Welsh government ‘Food and Drink from Wales’ strategy should aim to build a sustainable food system at its core, to balance the challenges of food production, energy needs and environmental protection.

The Welsh government should work with the industry at the earliest available opportunity to prepare for change post 2013.

The Minister should ensure that the needs of Wales are fully represented in the establishment of a British ombudsman, including the provision of a fully bilingual service for Wales.

The Minister should ensure that the UK Government fully represents the needs of Welsh producers and consumers and voice concerns raised over the provenance and traceability of Welsh produce in the ongoing discussions on country of origin labeling at a European level.

The report will be launched at the National Assembly for Wales’ stand at the Royal Welsh Show.