July 21, 2026 - 149 views
A new strategy aimed at transforming the way Wales produces, sells and thinks about food has been announced at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show.
The Welsh Government says the National Food Strategy for Wales will take a “farm to fork” approach, looking at the entire food system including farming, processing, retail, health, education, public procurement and sustainability.
A new expert working group is being established to help shape the strategy, with food industry figure Simon Wright appointed as its chair.
Mr Wright, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the Welsh hospitality sector and owns Wright’s Food Emporium in Llanarthne, will lead discussions with producers, businesses and communities across Wales.
The strategy will examine how food policies can work better together, support Welsh producers, keep more value from Welsh food within the country and encourage healthier eating and better food education.
The Welsh food and drink sector is worth more than £28 billion and supports around one in six jobs across Wales.
The expert group will advise on the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, as well as how progress should be measured. The final strategy is expected to be presented to Welsh Government ministers in 2027.
Rural Resilience and Sustainability Cabinet Secretary Llyr Gruffydd said the strategy would bring together farmers, fishers, retailers, schools and communities to make better decisions about food in Wales.
He said: “Welsh farmers produce sustainable, high-quality food, and our food and drink sector turns that world-class produce into a wide variety of products enjoyed across Wales and exported abroad.
“We want to build on that success.”
Simon Wright said Wales had a major opportunity to strengthen its food industry.
He said: “Wales punches well above its weight in food and drink, but there’s so much more we can do.
“This is a real opportunity to cut through and get things right for our industry and the country.”
The announcement was made at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show, which brings together farmers, food producers and rural communities from across Wales and beyond.
