Peter Fox’s proposed Food Bill has won support this evening in the Senedd.
The Labour-run Government voted against the proposals, but the bill went through 27-22 with support from Labour backbenchers and Plaid Cymru.
The Welsh Conservative bill aims to establish the following:
• Place a duty on Welsh Ministers to produce an annual Food Strategy for Wales to tackle food poverty and malnutrition, to ensure the sustainable growth of the food sector to create jobs and attract investment, and to ensure that sustainable local food producers have access to adequate support and incentives.
• Deliver a more sustainable, localised food system, requiring local authorities and other public services to develop community food plans to strengthen public procurement and create better infrastructure to link food producers and consumers.
• Strengthen statutory requirements on food labelling, such as country of origin labelling for food consumed at home and food consumed in foodservice/hospitality settings, as well as the sustainability of food produced in Wales.
• Eliminate food waste by obliging supermarkets, and other stores, to donate unwanted food to charities and food banks.
Commenting, Welsh Conservative MS for Monmouth, Peter Fox said:
“I’m delighted that my individual member’s bill has today gained support of the Senedd.
“The importance of enhancing and improving our levels of food security across Wales and the rest of the United Kingdom cannot be underestimated and this bill goes a long way to address the crucial issues facing us.
“I’m pleased to see party politics has been put to one side, as I believe this legislation provides a rare opportunity for parties of all colours to work together and lay the foundations to deliver a secure and sustainable future for food in Wales.
“The hard work starts now, and I look forward to cooperating with members right across the Welsh Parliament as the bill moves onto the next stage.”
ENDS/
Notes to Editors: Explanatory Memorandum - https://senedd.wales/senedd-business/legislation/proposed-member-bills/development-of-the-food-wales-bill/
