Welsh Government
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Welsh food and drink action plan launched
The Minister was at the Winter Fair to launch an action plan aimed at delivering a 30% increase in turnover in the Welsh food and drinks sector by 2020.
Speaking about the plan, Alun Davies said:
“I want to set a clear direction and agree actions so that Government and industry can work together to deliver growth in the Welsh food and drinks sector.
“Food production is so important and has an impact on nearly every element of our lives. It affects our economy, our climate, our diet and health, our education and ability to learn, and there is no doubt that it is a major part of our culture and tourism offer.
“We have designed this plan to ensure that Wales’ food industry reaches its full potential. That is why it includes a particular focus on delivering green growth and creating jobs throughout the food chain.
“We already have a good story to tell on food and drink, with Wales having seen a 6% growth in food and drinks sales last year and a combined turnover for agriculture, fishing and food manufacture of over £5.2 billion, however we can and must do more.
“I want our final action plan to set out ambitious but achievable targets and allow us to easily measure our performance against them.”
Delivering Growth: An action plan for the Food and Drinks Industry includes three central themes for developing growth in the food and drinks sector. These are:
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Forming a Food and Drinks Federation to offer leadership to the sector (something like the Dairy Task Force or Retail Forum)
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Developing a new identity for Welsh food and drink that will support trade and market development
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Focusing on training and up-skilling throughout the food chain
The Welsh Government is already working closely with the largest food and drinks businesses in Wales to better understand their plans and potential for growth. Under the action plan it will also work more closely with small and medium sized enterprises and microbusinesses to help them understand the business support available to them and encourage growth.
Under the plan the Welsh Government will also seek to make Wales the first choice for international food companies’ manufacturing and processing operations.
The Welsh Government is consulting on its Action plan for the Food and Drinks Industry. The full document is available on the Welsh Government website and interested parties have until 3 March 2014 to respond.
The Minister intends to publish the final plan in spring 2014.
