To celebrate the quality and taste of the Welsh food that farmers produce, NFU Cymru is holding an event on Wednesday, 22 June 2016, with Assembly Members and invited guests at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay.
Stephen James, NFU Cymru President said: "Wales is home to a very diverse range of high quality produce, that we, as farmers and food producers, are rightly proud of.
"During the event we will explain to Assembly Members how there is tremendous potential to grow the market for what we produce in Wales, both within the UK and further afield, by playing to our strengths, expertise, knowledge and climate."
NFU Cymru’s celebration of Welsh food will take place in the Oriel of the Senedd and Stephen James will host the lunchtime event which has kindly been sponsored by Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths AM.
As well as Stephen James and Lesley Griffiths AM, the Chairman of Food and Drink Wales Industry Board, Andy Richardson has kindly agreed to speak briefly about his vision for achieving the Welsh Government’s growth target for the food and drink sector in Wales and the role farmers play in realising this target.
He will also discuss how Welsh farmers and the food and drink industry can work together sustainably.
30% increase in farming growth
Stephen James said: "The Welsh Government has set itself, and the agricultural industry, a target to see a growth in the food and farming sector of 30% in terms of turnover to £7billion and a 10% growth in Gross Value Added to £1.4billion, by 2020.
"It is encouraging to see this recognition given to the food and drink sector."
Mr James continued: "We will use our event in the Senedd to highlight to Assembly Members how these ambitious targets can be achieved, if the Welsh Government and the food supply chain work together; and one area where we might do this is through public sector procurement."
In conclusion Mr James said: "I do appreciate that Wales has idyllic conditions for creating some of the world’s finest food, however, as part of this event, we must also recognise those farmers in different climates that produce food that it is virtually impossible for us to grow.
"Therefore everything that cannot be locally sourced for our event will be sourced in line with Fair Trade Wales protocols to show our support for Fair Trade Wales."
