People deserve to know where exactly the food on their plate in a restaurant comes from and tackling malnutrition in society should be a priority.
As elected Members of the Welsh Parliament, we are entered into a ballot and if selected we have the opportunity to develop legislation in the form of a bill. My colleague Peter Fox MS was selected and I was delighted that Peter brought forward a fantastic Food (Wales) Bill.
At the very heart of the proposed Bill is ensuring the use of local food, creating local jobs and stimulating local economies across Wales. Another main part of the proposal is to require local authorities and other areas within the public sector to make better use of local produce, as well as strengthen statutory requirements on food labelling, including in the hospitality sector.
I don’t think many would object to dining in a restaurant and being able to make informed decisions on what to eat based on knowing exactly what is and isn’t local produce. Last but not least, the Bill would set an ambitious aim to eliminate all forms of food waste and oblige supermarkets – and other relevant shops – to donate unwanted food to charities and food banks.
I was pleased that the proposal was passed, despite some Welsh Government Ministers voting against. This means that Peter can now work on the details of the bill which will then be debated on further in the Welsh Parliament.
I was very pleased to join in celebrating the success of Trailhead Fine Foods, a firm in Welshpool producing artisan jerky which has grown its sales by 300 per cent in 2020. If this Bill is voted into law here in Wales, it will benefit many other local food retailers in Powys as the Bill aims to supply the necessary financial support and incentives to local producers, with an aim to boost local production – which will also help to improve our food security.
The Bill also seeks to help fruit and vegetable retailers across Powys, giving them security, injecting aspiration and confidence. These business need this Bill, our country is currently only 54% self-sufficient in fresh vegetables.
In Wales, we want progression, we want better for our communities and our local businesses, the Welsh Parliament now has a chance to implement legislation to support these aims.
