Sustainability
Wales well-suited to sustainability
Sustainable development is at the heart of our founding legislation here in Wales. It is our unique selling point, and business can be sure we will stick to these principles in an economic climate that is shifting elsewhere in the world.
Various factors are at work: changing patterns of food consumption; climate change; fluctuation in fuel prices, and currency rates. But Wales is capable of producing food in increasing variety, which can reduce UK dependence on exports. At the same time, however, we must find a balance between feeding our own population and our export ambitions - and be ever mindful of environmental considerations.
Target for growth
We aim to grow the food and drink sector in Wales by 30% to £7billion by 2020, raising its profile and reputation. This is the target set by Towards Sustainable Growth: An Action Plan for the Food and Drink Industry 2014-2020.
The sector impacts significantly on the Welsh economy and more widely across Welsh society, influencing the health and well-being of our communities, economic regeneration, road and rail infrastructure, environment, education and transport.
More than 170,000 people work in the food and drink supply chain, while the sector's total value to the Welsh economy, taking account of agriculture, processing and retail, is put at more than £1 billion a year. Our policy encompasses a Food and Drink Action Plan to provide clear direction for the industry to grow sustainably and profitably in coming years.
Food Futures
Food Futures from business as usual to business unusual is WRAP's ground breaking new report analysing 15 critical areas in the UK food system, from farm to fork, and outlining recommendations for key actions by industry and government.