Will the Cabinet Minister outline the Welsh Government's position on public procurement of Welsh food and drink?
Relevant interest declared
I am a partner in a family farming business.
Food is a core Foundational Economy sector, and we are working to strengthen and grow local food supply chains through connecting local producers and suppliers with public sector demand.
Public procurement is a key policy tool to “re-localise” the food system, increasing self‑sufficiency and resilience and supporting local producers and jobs.
We work across the public sector and encourage NHS Wales, schools and local authorities to increase spend on Welsh food and drink, within legal constraints.
We provide public sector organisations with practical legal procurement guidance to maximise opportunities for local suppliers, encouraging shorter supply chains, seasonal/local sourcing and SME and producer access to contract opportunities.
The Procurement Act 2023 and the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act 2023 support strategic Welsh public food procurement that delivers social, economic, environmental and cultural benefits.
We are working with public sector partners to strengthen market engagement, support Welsh food and drink suppliers.