9. Short Debate: We are what we eat: Focusing on the nutrient density of food in order to improve public health

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:09 pm on 22 September 2021.

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Photo of Cefin Campbell Cefin Campbell Plaid Cymru 6:09, 22 September 2021

And this is exactly the issue we have around our extractive economy. Research shows that 51 per cent of Welsh milk is processed beyond our borders, and a review of the beef sector in Wales found that 72 per cent of Welsh cattle were slaughtered outside Wales. To fix this, we need to localise supply chains, so we need ambitious targets for local procurement. Just imagine the joint economic and environmental benefits if 75 per cent of food procured in Wales was sought from local suppliers. This would not only add value in terms of the quality of that food, but also mitigate the negative impact of the environmental climate change effect as well. So, it's time that we worked together across the Chamber to make this vision a reality for Wales, so I'm happy to support the debate. Diolch yn fawr iawn.