Nourish a healthy society
around.
That is the thinking behind the Wales Food Manifesto.
The process began in 2015, with the support of Sustainable Futures Commissioner Peter Davies and former environment minister Jane Davidson, and can be described as a conversation that is gaining momentum. The aim is to develop food policy from the bottom up, with regular blog posts on our website from individuals and organisations.
Last week the Manifesto took another step with a public meeting at the National Botanic Garden, where speakers from the RSPB, NFU, Transition Bro Gwaun, Wright’s Food Emporium, Just Food Abergavenny and Food Cardiff set out their aspirations and considered how a national food network or alliance could support them to be more effective, for the good of everyone.
Taking part in the discussions which followed were representatives from different parts of the food chain from field to fork, as well as groups with a community or health focus.
Some were senior members of staff in national organisations, some were self-employed people taking a day away from their businesses, while others were volunteers making inspiring contributions to their local communities through gardening, shared meals and debates.
We need all points of view to get the full picture, and last Friday was just a beginning.
We won’t agree on every detail of the perfect food system – far from it – but by coming together to learn from each other, we can find some new ways forward.
If you would like to get involved with the Manifesto and help shape the food system in Wales, please follow us at www.foodmanifesto. wales and get in touch at hello@ foodmanifesto.wales