What measures is the Welsh Government taking to support the food and drink sector in the Monmouth constituency?
ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre at Cardiff Met University provides technical and commercial support for food and drink companies in south-east Wales. Since 2016, ZERO2FIVE has received funding from Welsh Government and the EU to part or fully fund this support through Project HELIX. It has provided direct, practical support for 22 companies in Monmouthshire.
The majority of the companies supported are smaller, artisanal producers which is consistent with the profile of food and drink manufacturers in Monmouthshire. Support has been provided to many of the Welsh companies who have successfully established the Wye Valley Producers brand.
ZERO2FIVE is also a part of the Welsh Government’s Food and Drink Retail Plan. The plan is benefitting food and drink companies based in Monmouthshire by preparing and introducing producers to trade partners and fostering these relationships so more local produce ends up on the shelves of both small and larger retailers.