Huw Irranca-Davies, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
I am pleased to announce the publication of Food Matters: Wales. Food Matters: Wales was born from a commitment to the Senedd to publish a document summarising the Welsh Government’s cross portfolio work on food policy. It demonstrates the holistic, coherent approach we are taking across Government to advance a strategic agenda for food. Food underpins the health of our nation, our individual and societal well-being. Food Matters: Wales portrays how food related policies are aligned to our well-being objectives to advance the Future Generations Act well-being goals under the Programme for Government. It is a high level, summary document, a policy gateway with hyperlinks to named strategies and initiatives for those who wish to know more.
The diversity of food related policies, both their nature and how they are developed and delivered, highlights the importance of joined up, collaborative working between Government and many stakeholders. Advancing a strategic agenda for food depends on collective focus and action. Food Matters: Wales complements the focus on food by the Future Generations Commissioner’s strategy Cymru Can. I want to thank those who contribute to food matters in Wales in their many ways and to reinforce my commitment to collaboration, diverse discussion, and successful join up to continue to develop food policy with partners across Wales, for Wales.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.