The announcement was made by cabinet minister for rural resilience and sustainability Llyr Gruffydd at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show, where he also confirmed the appointment of respected food entrepreneur Simon Wright to chair an expert working group that will oversee development of the strategy.
The initiative forms part of the Welsh Government’s first 100-day commitments and aims to create a long-term vision for the country’s entire food system, from farm to fork.
Rather than focusing solely on agricultural production, the strategy will consider every stage of the supply chain, including food processing, retail, education, public procurement, health and the circular economy.
Wales’ food and drink supply chain is valued at more than £28 billion and supports around one in six jobs across the country.
The expert working group, chaired by Wright, will work with farmers, food businesses, processors and communities to identify strengths within the current system, highlight gaps and recommend how government policy can better support the sector.
Wright, owner of Wright’s Food Emporium in Llanarthne and a long-standing advocate for Welsh food, brings more than 30 years’ experience in the hospitality industry to the role.
The group will also advise ministers on how success should be measured and help strengthen collaboration between government, the public sector and the food industry. A final strategy is expected to be presented during 2027.
Announcing the plans, 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.”
Wright welcomed the appointment and said the strategy presented an opportunity to unlock further potential across the industry.
He 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.”