Welsh Government reject proposals to ensure a sustainable future for Wales
Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy is disappointed in the Welsh Government for not supporting her proposal to make provisions for targets to strengthen food security in Wales.
Yesterday in the chamber, Janet spoke passionately about the vulnerability of Wales's food security, highlighting the challenges faced by farmers in North Wales due to the severe weather conditions.
However, the Welsh Government sadly have said that there are ‘better ways and more direct ways we can influence this now’, explaining that this not the ‘magic bullet’ to improve food security and that ‘how, sometimes, [targets] can also inadvertently warp the very best intentions.’
This follows a previous initiative introduced last year by fellow Welsh Conservative Member Peter Fox MS. His Food (Wales) Bill aimed to consolidate over 12 pieces of Welsh Government legislation and policy concerning food and the Welsh food system. Unfortunately, this legislation was also halted by Welsh Labour before it could undergo thorough scrutiny.
Commenting on yesterday’s debate Janet said:
“I am extremely disappointed that the Welsh Government rejected my proposal yesterday. I strongly believe that setting targets to improve our food security will enhance collaboration across the system, improve coordination, and increase focus. It is the right first step towards ensuring sustainable and manageable food security.
“Indeed, many of those who contributed yesterday agree that we are facing huge problems when it comes to our food security and that if we do nothing then we will all suffer the consequences, and the preservation of Wales as a healthy and nutritious land will be at risk.
“Following the rejection of the Food (Wales) Bill last year due to concerns that the legislation might not effectively achieve its intended objectives, I would have thought that legislation that sets targets for food security would be a sensible and pragmatic step towards addressing the issues we face.
“Sadly, it appears that the Welsh Government is not interested in enacting practical legislation, nor does it seem inclined to take on the responsibility of ensuring our food security and a sustainable future for Wales.”
ENDS
