Community Food Strategy: integrated impact assessment

Summary

The Welsh Government will publish a Community Food Strategy (CFS) during the Senedd's sixth term (2021–2026), as part of its commitment to promote locally sourced food in Wales. The CFS focuses on collective action to enhance food-related policy, planning, and service delivery at the community level. It also aims to build on existing initiatives, particularly through Local Food Partnerships (LFP), to strengthen community outcomes.

The current vision of the CFS is: 

‘Working in partnership to promote and strengthen the local and community food system in Wales; increasing the availability and consumption of locally sourced, healthier and sustainable food; and inspiring improvements in well-being within our communities.’

Context 

The food system operating in Wales, in terms of how food is produced, processed or manufactured, distributed, marketed, retailed and consumed, is a dynamic system integrated with the wider UK food system, which itself has important international trade elements. 

The major force shaping the food system is commercial and tends to focus on economic efficiency and profit. It operates within a policy framework which ensures food is safe to consume, and meets the required health, safety and ethical standards for consumers, with a rules-based system governing international trade. 

The food system has diverse costs and benefits. Food is intrinsically relevant to the nation’s health and well-being. Food production must consider the impact on the environment and natural resources alongside any benefits to the economy. 

Promoting Welsh food focuses on a sense and projection of place, culture and history; bringing people together socially and culturally. There are many ways in which food is relevant to people and communities and with the potential for inclusive food related policy, planning, and delivery. 

Long term

Food is relevant to the well-being goals of the Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and public bodies and their partners can advance these goals by delivering food related actions. 

There are many food-related projects and activities taking place in communities across Wales.  Although unique, each face similar challenges to realise their potential.  These are evident when considering the approach to community food production.  

A stakeholder engagement exercise revealed barriers including access to land where competition with other amenity usage and reluctance of landowners to lease were encountered. Planning issues can be prohibitive for community initiatives which operate on smaller areas of land. 

Proponents of horticulture pointed out that it has the potential to be an important practical component of community food production, however, some barriers were identified. Welsh Government will work with stakeholders to consider diversification, stimulate greater ties between farming and local businesses and social enterprises. This will increase, the availability of Welsh products through shorter supply chains.

Barriers to the consumption of local food include perceptions of it being geared towards charitable surplus food and local food being perceived as being expensive. Greater access to information on the benefits of local food production will be considered by the strategy. 

It is recognised there are many community food schemes currently operating however, they could benefit from greater co-ordination and networking opportunities to maximise the benefits of working co-operatively. 

The strategy will facilitate co-operation towards working in a more joined up way, through focussing on the relationship between food and the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act. This will empower a stronger, local community element to the food system by linking producers to available markets and  the vision will foster greater links between producers and retailers locally.

The CFS will engage with the Future Generations Commissioner to support Public Bodies, Public Services Boards (PSBs) and LFP’s to provide the organisation, cohesion and leadership of existing projects. 

Food and Drink clusters can play a significant role here as they have a long term objective to focus business behaviour towards collaborative relationships.

The CFS will support projects that improve social interaction in local communities and consider ways for community services to suggest food related activities or services to help people improve their well-being and feel less lonely, which contributes towards ‘A Wales of Cohesive Communities.’ 

Looking for ways to grow more fruits and vegetables locally for public catering could mean more food is bought from local farmers in the future. Fruit and vegetable production in Wales is currently low.

Such actions contribute to shortening supply chains, for example, by sourcing at least part of local authority and health service food requirements from local growers

Integration

The review of PSB well-being plans highlighted key priorities such as community food and shared CFS goals, focusing on climate change, community, food, health, mental health, natural environment, carbon reduction, volunteering, and the Welsh language. Established under the WFG Act, PSBs bring key bodies together, such as Local Authorities and Health Boards to create local well-being plans in their communities.

The Welsh Government supports LFP’s in all 22 Local Authority areas. LFP’s coordinate cross-sector collaboration to improve local food systems, bringing together public bodies, charities, food businesses, growers, and NGOs to address food-related social, economic, and environmental issues. 

Food Sense Wales already supports Sustainable Food Places to help communities combat food poverty and access affordable and healthy food. 

Collaboration    

Officials engaged stakeholders, visited Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) businesses, and collaborated with Scotland and Northern Ireland on food strategy developments. Two CFS surveys, conducted in December 2021 and March 2022, gathered insights from the wider public (1,018 responses) and community food stakeholders (87 responses). Results are available on the Food and Drink Wales website.

These examples will guide future projects. In February 2023, a stakeholder engagement exercise refined the Welsh Government ‘Community Food Systems Map’ through defined workshops (80 participants).

Case studies, such as Food Cardiff and Big Bocs Bwyd, highlight several successful food initiatives. 

Involvement

Stakeholder engagement included: meetings, site visits, stakeholder expert groups and two public surveys. The policy aims to establish an enabling framework, fostering collaboration to enhance existing projects and replicate successful ones. Actions would be partner-led, allowing flexibility to address local issues. 

The final strategy is concise, focusing on enabling stakeholders and partners through coordinated efforts. The Welsh Government is viewed as a facilitator, emphasising the integration of food strategies into local development and well-being plans.  

The establishment of a Ministerial Advisory Group will provide well-defined governance that will provide support on the implementation of the CFS. 

Officials will collaborate closely with senior stakeholders and key partners to advance the strategic goals, progress and outcomes.

Impact

Consistency and join-up of policy have been achieved by establishing a Cross-Portfolio Food Forum to improve communication and coherence. Conclusions from this background work are:

• leadership and Coordination: Welsh Government convening power fosters collaboration, reduces duplication, and strengthens relationships for better outcomes
• addressing barriers: challenges in accessing physical assets for small-scale horticulture will be addressed through policy discussions with planning and farming leads, supported by the CFS to connect the right stakeholders
• Food integration and planning: the CFS will work with PSBs, RPBs, and the Future Generations Commissioner to integrate food priorities into public planning and will encourage community growing and sustainable land use

There is potential to develop a local / community approach to meet public procurement needs through Universal Free School Meals. This approach will leverage existing work to support food businesses and further  promote Welsh food and drink products.

At delivery level Collaborative opportunities include projects such as  the Welsh Veg in Schools initiative, aimed at increasing organic produce in primary schools and boosting the market for locally grown vegetables. The Courgette Pilot in 2022 demonstrated this potential by delivering nearly 1 tonne of courgettes to Cardiff schools, promoting local food production and children's health through nutritious meals and food-growing exploration.

Costs and savings

The CFS is a supportive strategy that leverages existing resources to drive change and enhance coordination in community food activities. By promoting collaboration, better focus, and integration on food matters, it aims to improve resource efficiency, reduce waste, and achieve sustainable and lasting outcomes.

8.1 How have people most likely to be affected by the proposal been involved in developing it?

Consistency and join-up of policy are vital and have led to establishing a Cross Portfolio Food Forum (Chaired by Director RA) to facilitate communication and coherence. Officials have engaged bilaterally with numerous stakeholders in the public and third sectors, and business interests. 

We have completed extensive bilingually survey work in December 2021 and March 2022 and which involved people in community food enterprises and projects in Wales and focus group work (Community Food Strategy | Business Wales - Food and drink). 

This has found a diverse range of food related projects across Wales. The Community Food Strategy Systems Mapping Study Stakeholder Engagement Exercise involved 7 key stakeholder groups and engaged with 26 organisations and the Barriers to Small Scale Horticulture Development in Wales study also conducted online surveys, interviews and discussions with growers, planners and relevant horticulture sector stakeholders. 

A wide selection of food related policies and activities in Welsh Government has been undertaken, and  identified many which are food related and have some element of local and community focus. This also resulted in formulation of specific case studies demonstrating community based work already happening by initiatives such as Food Cardiff and Mach Maethlon.

8.2 What are the most significant impacts, positive and negative?

The Welsh Government will provide collective focus for the CFS as an enabling strategy. The Cross Government Food Policy Forum will provide oversight on bringing organisations and stakeholders closer together through a collaborative approach.

The CFS will use Welsh Government convening powers to positively influence and play a leading role in bringing organisations, partnerships and stakeholders together, this will provide the opportunities for creative discussions, pooling of ideas and closer strategic planning around existing policy outputs. Setting up a Ministerial Advisory Group with clear governance will help make sure the CFS is delivered efficiently. Officials will work with senior stakeholders and key partners to progress the strategy’s goals and monitor progress and results.

The approach CFS will take could identify greater efficiencies and latency in food related policy outputs. This will provide a stepped approach to determining meaningful actions for communities in Wales. 

This will serve as a foundation of greater collaboration with the Future Generations Commissioner to include a greater emphasis on community food within wellbeing plans. The LFP’s who are already making positive impacts, will be further stimulated through discussions and actions that will result in strong networks between local food stakeholders, including public bodies, farmers, academia and community organisations.

The Community Food Strategy has six objectives. This gives an operating  framework around which the Welsh Government, the public sector and key stakeholders and delivery partners can bring ideas and resources together for collective action. 

The CFS objectives are as follows:

Objective 1: To ensure joined up strategic thinking and leadership

To continue connecting policy making across Welsh Government to address the diverse and complex nature of food related issues. To establish a new Ministerial Advisory Group to deliver on the ambitions of this strategy. To enable and support Public Bodies and Public Services Boards to embed food as a priority in strategic planning and delivery.

Objective 2: To enable local food system coordination and action

To encourage local and community food initiatives to create a cohesive network for knowledge sharing and cooperation. This will help address long-term viability, bring new local supply chain opportunities and improve local food system resilience. 

Objective 3: To strengthen food resilience in our communities

To help address food-related issues facing communities in Wales, around household food security, diet related ill-health and food waste.

Objective 4: To create cohesive food communities

To benefit social inclusion, mental and physical well-being through community food initiatives.

Objective 5: To enable stronger, diverse local supply networks

To ensure that more food bought in Wales is produced in Wales. To  build security and capacity for local Welsh food and drink businesses. To win and retain market opportunities in Wales across retail, the food service sector and hospitality, and public sector procurement.

Objective 6: To enable community growing and horticulture

To increase the production of fresh, nutritious and sustainable locally sourced food in Wales, maximising the opportunities for developing community growing and small-scale horticulture in Wales.

8.3 In light of the impacts identified, how will the proposal: 

• maximise contribution to our well-being objectives and the seven well-being goals;  and/or,
• avoid, reduce or mitigate any negative impacts?

Strengthening partnerships at the community level through improved coordination and leadership will enhance collaboration with LFP’s, PSB’s, and stakeholders, supporting a resilient Wales. 

This approach encourages efficient use of existing policies and resources to strengthen producer and processor networks, shorten supply chains, and align with well-being goals, including fair work, sustainability, and progress toward a greener, decarbonised economy.

Existing Welsh Government programmes to support the food and drink industry, work to advance the Universal Primary Free School Meals and to develop the foundational economy. All programmes offer the potential to build stronger, more diverse local supply chains which add value and well-being and support a prosperous and more equal Wales. 

Involving a range of organisations and stakeholders throughout the food system together provides resilience, particularly if funding for existing partnerships are unavailable or reduced.

Prioritising LFP’s and Public Body collaboration strengthens supply chain connections to align local supply with demand, enhance business-community relationships, and add value to products. These efforts contribute to a globally responsible Wales by reducing environmental impacts through sustainable practices, such as reducing vehicle movements.

This involves simplifying local planning processes for growers and horticultural enterprises, and improving access to community assets through initiatives like Ystadau Cymru. 

Supporting and strengthening local food enterprises by removing barriers and streamlining policies integrates efforts to address the climate and nature emergency across all activities.

This initiative contributes to the goal of a million Welsh speakers by fostering community resilience through incentives, stronger ties with local businesses, and increased use of locally grown food in procurement. 

Rural communities are central to Welsh language preservation, and can benefit from employment and business opportunities, encouraging people to remain and thrive locally.

There is opportunity to increase public procurement, purchasing of local products, to harness the potential of the new socially responsible procurement duty and through the ‘Buying Food Fit for the Future’ online food procurement resource. 

Business support programs for Micro and SME businesses, along with efforts to promote local products through retailers and service providers, enhance access to quality physical assets. This fosters a Prosperous, Resilient Wales of cohesive communities, improving cities, towns, and villages as places to live and work.

Raising public awareness of local community food initiatives and broadening understanding beyond food banks is crucial to integrate community food into the food system. Promoting Welsh food through existing Food Division and Visit Wales programmes can boost interest and engagement. Inclusive initiatives encourage healthier diets, community cohesion, and environmental improvements, supporting a greener economy and fostering a healthier, more cohesive, and equitable Wales.

This can be achieved by engaging communities to enhance the impact of government communications on developing food initiatives, identifying harder-to-reach groups, and broadening the reach of food messages to ensure inclusivity. 

Providing bilingual information across all communication channels will be prioritised to support safe and accessible involvement for everyone. This supports the wellbeing objective to celebrate diversity and move to eliminate inequality in all its forms. 

CFS will support the revision of the standards for school meals (A Healthy Weight, Healthy Wales commitment) and guidance for child nutrition / care settings to encourage good eating habits and an interest in all aspects of nutritious food and drink. Strengthening links to wellbeing and the environment through a curriculum based approach, supports narrowing of educational inequalities and rising standards. 

Examining the potential to develop participation in community food initiatives as a social prescribing health treatment will support a healthier Wales.

8.3 How will the impact of the proposal be monitored and evaluated as it progresses and when it concludes? 

Setting up  a dedicated Ministerial Advisory Group

Establishing a dedicated Ministerial Advisory Group with clear governance will ensure the effective and coordinated delivery of the Community Food Strategy.  Officials will collaborate with senior stakeholders and key partners to guide delivery, maintain focus on objectives, and measure progress and success.

The purpose of the group will include:

• establishing a broad and representative membership that draws together the key partners who can contribute towards ensuring more people enjoy good, nutritious and locally sourced food in Wales.
• guiding and monitoring the delivery and impact of the Community Food Strategy, and providing advice to Welsh Ministers on what will work best in practice.
• ensuring approaches are aligned and effective at national, regional and local level.
• providing advice that helps shape the ongoing development and outcomes of the Community Food Strategy, to ensure the strategy remains targeted and relevant