Cyflwynwyd yr ymateb hwn i’r ymgynghoriad ar y Bil Bwyd (Cymru) Drafft

This response was submitted to the consultation on the Draft Food (Wales) Bill

OSFB016

Ymateb gan: | Response from: Unigolyn | An individual

Overarching principles

Question 1: Do you agree with the overarching principles that the Bill seeks to achieve?

Yes

Question 2: Do you think there is a need for this legislation? Can you provide reasons for your answer.

Yes

Food Goals

Question 3: Please provide your views on the inclusion of the Food Goals within the Bill as the means to underpin the policy objectives.

Essential for success

Question 4: Do you agree with the inclusion of a Primary Food Goal supplemented by Secondary Food Goals?

Yes

Question 5: Are there additional / different areas you think should be included in the Food Goals?

Goals should target growth and GVA in food and drink

Question 6: Do you have any additional comments on the Food Goals, including the resource implications of the proposals and how these could be minimised?

Need to engage with new private sector led delivery mechanisms to avoid just producing the same as previously

Question 7: Please provide your views on the inclusion of targets within the Bill as the means to measure how the Food Goals are being advanced.

Must be smart gaols with accountability for delivery set out in advance. KPIs and metrics need to be robust.

Question 8: Do you agree with the process for setting the targets?

Must be cross sector - not silos

Question 9: Do you think the reporting mechanisms set out in the draft Bill provide sufficient accountability and scope for scrutiny?

Critical that this is timely - needs to be 6 monthly minimum

Question 10: Do you have any additional comments on the targets, including the resource implications of the proposals and how these could be minimised?

Take advice from industry

Wales Food Commission

Question 11: What are your views on the need for a Welsh Food Commission?

Is this to replace the Wales Food & Drink Board? Needs a better structure and cannot just be "advisory".

Question 12: Do you agree with the goals and functions of the Welsh Food Commission? If not, what changes would you suggest?

Yes, must be action orientated

Question 13: Do you agree with the size of the membership of the Food Commission and the process for appointing its members?

Need to engage with organisations and individuals that operate outside Wales to bring perspective and new thinking to the food commission.

Question 14: What are your views on the proposal that the chair and members can serve a maximum term of five years and that an individual may be re-appointed as a chair or member only once? Do you believe this is appropriate?

Yes. Need a strong individual who is not afraid of challenging the norm.

Question 15: Do you have any additional comments on the Food Commission, including the resource implications of the proposals and how these could be minimised?

National Food Strategy

Question 16: Do you agree that there is a need for a national food strategy?

Yes

Question 17: Do you believe the Welsh Government’s current strategies relating to ‘food’ are sufficiently joined up / coherent?

No - too many disconnects, failures, mis-directed funds and false reporting.

Question 18: Does the draft Bill do enough to ensure that Welsh Ministers take advice and consult on the strategy before it is made. If no, what additional mechanisms would you put in place?

The commission must lead - vitally important. Ensure relevant skills, knowledge and experience are in place to underpin delivery or use private facilitation.

Question 19: Do you think the provisions of the draft Bill relating to reporting on the national food strategy are sufficient? If not, what changes would you like to see?

No - 1st report 12 months. Interim reports at 6 monthly intervals.

Question 20: Do you think the provisions of the draft Bill relating to reviewing of the national food strategy are sufficient? If not, what changes would you like to see?

No. Review at 2, 4 and 5 years.

Question 21: Do you have any additional comments on the National Food Strategy, including the resource implications of the proposals and how these could be minimised?

Use available industry knowledge base.

Local Food Plans

Question 22: Do you agree that there is a need for local food plans?

Yes

Question 23: Does the draft Bill do enough to ensure that public bodies consult on their local food plans before they are made. If no, what additional mechanisms would you put in place?

Need a specific micro/SME plan

Question 24: Do you think the provisions of the draft Bill relating to reporting on the local food plans are sufficient? If not, what changes would you like to see?

No. 1st report at 12 months, then every 6 months. Need to move at pace.

Question 25: Do you think the provisions of the draft Bill relating to reviewing of the local food plans are sufficient? If not, what changes would you like to see?

Needs to provide Wales-wide co-ordinated approach and bring together current fragmented approach.

Question 26: Do you have any additional comments on local food plans, including the resource implications of the proposals and how these could be minimised?

General Provisions

Question 27: Do you agree with the list of persons defined as being a ‘public body’ for the purpose of this Bill?

Yes

Question 28: Do you have any views on the process for making regulations set out in the Bill?

Question 29: Do you have any views on the proposed commencement date for the Act?

Needed ASAP - it was needed at the time the time of this Bill and it is critical now for Wales Food & Drink