Speaking at the National Assembly’s Climate Change,
Environment and Rural Affairs Committee, the Cabinet
Secretary confirmed that the new plan will build on the
success of ‘Towards Sustainable Growth’, which ends in
December 2019.
The Cabinet Secretary urged everyone with an interest in
the future of the sector to get involved and share their
views on how the sector needs to develop and where it needs
to be through to 2025.
Since the introduction of the original action Plan in 2014,
there has been considerable growth in the turnover value of
the food and farming sector, with exports also growing
strongly and passing the half billion mark for the first
time in 2017.
The food and drinks industry is a globally renowned sector,
with 165 Great Taste Winners in 2017 and 15 products now
holding EU protected food name status.
Cabinet Secretary said:
“Food and Drink is a foundation sector for Wales and now
more than ever, it is important that we ensure the industry
is strong and robust to thrive in a post-Brexit world.
It is also important that businesses have the
capacity, support and resources in place to make the most
of their opportunities to grow.
“That is why we have already begun work on a successor Food
and Drink Action plan, working collaboratively with the
Board. I would encourage anyone with an interest in
the future of the sector to share their views with us over
the coming months as we develop our proposals further.”
Andy Richardson, Chair of the Food and Drink Wales Industry
Board said:
“The board is committed to engaging with Welsh food and
drink businesses, with a strong focus on growth,
innovation and adding value.“We are looking to refresh
our activities in order they remain relevant and flexible
to respond to the new challenges and opportunities that
lie ahead. Above all we want to drive the continued
growth of the sector and reinforce Wales’ position as a
leading provider of healthy, nutritious and exciting food
and drink.”
