Wales is set to transform the way it thinks about food, with the announcement from Welsh Government of a new National Food Strategy for Wales, alongside the appointment of a Chair and the establishment of an Expert Working Group to help shape its development.

The strategy is intended to look at the entire food system – from farm to fork – and bring together policy across production, processing and retail, while also considering how the food Wales produces contributes to health, education, public procurement and the circular economy.

The new strategy will seek to identify what is working well across Wales’ food system, as well as where gaps exist. Importantly, it will aim to ensure that food policies work better together, with the stated ambition of supporting producers, retaining and reinvesting more of the value of Welsh food in Wales, and promoting food literacy and healthy eating.

The scale of the sector is significant. Wales’ food and drink supply chain is worth more than £28 billion and employs one in six workers across the country.

Simon Wright, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the Welsh hospitality sector, has been appointed Chair of the Expert Working Group that will advise the Welsh Government on the development of the strategy. Simon Wright is the owner of Wright’s Food Emporium in Llanarthne and is an expert in food and food systems. In his new role, he will lead conversations with producers, businesses and communities across Wales, bringing together views from across the food system to help inform the strategy. Rachel Evans, Director for Wales at the Countryside Alliance, will be meeting Mr Wright in the coming weeks to discuss a range of issues, including championing the interests of small rural businesses and advocating for Welsh game meat to be used more widely in the public sector.

For Wales’ farming and food sectors, the development of a strategy covering the entire food chain will be an important opportunity to examine how policy decisions made in Cardiff ultimately affect those producing, processing and supplying the food that feeds the nation.

Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd, said:

“Welsh farmers produce sustainable, high-quality food, and our food and drink sector turn that world-class produce into a wide variety of products enjoyed across Wales and exported abroad, creating jobs and adding value. We want to build on that success.

This strategy will bring together the whole food system; from our farmers and fishers to our retailers, schools and communities, so that we can make better, more joined-up decisions for the benefit of everyone in Wales.

I am delighted that Simon Wright has agreed to lead this work. His passion for Welsh food and deep roots in the industry makes him exactly the right person for the role.”

Newly appointed chair of the Expert Working Group, Simon Wright, said:

“Wales punches well above its weight in food and drink, but there’s so much more we can do. This is a real opportunity to cut through and get things right for our industry and the country.

I welcome the ambition of the new government, and I look forward to working with producers, businesses and communities to make it happen.”

The final National Food Strategy is expected to be presented to ministers during 2027.