Senedd committee calls for stronger, more self-reliant Welsh food sector

Daniel Bevan - Editor

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A Senedd committee has called for stronger action to support Wales’s food processing sector, warning that growth is being held back by imports of meat from countries that do not meet the environmental and welfare standards required of Welsh farmers and processors.

The Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee said food processing already adds £7bn to the Welsh economy, supporting jobs, communities and food security, but needs greater government backing if it is to grow and thrive.

The Committee is urging the Welsh Government to take more decisive steps to shore up the sector and help key businesses expand, creating more robust local supply chains, increasing sustainability and strengthening food security.

The Welsh Government say they are fully committed to supporting the Welsh food processing industry.

The report also warns that falling livestock numbers in Wales could threaten the viability of the red meat industry.

It says this could lead to a greater reliance on imported meat that is lower quality, lower welfare and higher carbon.

The Committee is calling on a future Welsh Government to consider introducing a headage payment similar to the Scottish Government’s suckler calf premium to support growth in premium beef production.

Public sector procurement is identified as another area where stronger action could support Welsh food businesses by creating stable, long-term demand.

Andrew RT Davies MS, Chair of the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee, said: “Food processing is big business in Wales and it has the potential to do even more for our economy, our environment and our communities.

“Our report sets out a vision for a resilient, sustainable, and thriving Welsh food processing industry which will create more jobs and help grow our economy.

“To achieve this vision the next Welsh Government must create an overarching and holistic strategy for the whole food system, align Government food policy, support the food processing sector, and prioritise sustainability and food security.

“The next Welsh Government must also have a plan for our meat processing industry. Abattoirs need throughput and without it they will close. Further reductions in Welsh live stock numbers may require us to import lower quality, lower welfare and higher carbon meat to fill the gap.

“By supporting local processors, using public procurement more effectively and setting clear ambitions for food produced in Wales, the Welsh Government can help build a more resilient and sustainable food system that works for everyone.”

The Welsh Government says: “We thank the Committee for conducting this important food processing inquiry and welcome the publication of its report.

“We are fully committed to supporting the Welsh food processing industry and will respond to the Committee’s recommendations in due course.”