The event, hosted by dairy farmer John Hughes and his family, saw farmers, processors, food service organisations, council representatives and school pupils, come together to illustrate the importance of short supply chains, supporting local businesses and providing fresh, healthy food for children in our communities.
Local food into local schools
NFU Cymru President Aled Jones, who spoke at the event said: “It’s been great to get the whole supply chain together today to demonstrate the process of getting Welsh food to the end consumer. We also heard how the innovative Larder Cymru project, run by Menter Môn and supported by Welsh Government, is leading the way in getting locally produced food into local schools.
“Welsh farmers produce top quality food in a sustainable way and are the backbone of the Welsh rural economy, the axis around which rural communities turn. The raw ingredients that we produce are the cornerstone of the £9.3 billion Welsh food and drink industry which is Wales’ largest employer. If each area of Wales had a project like Larder Cymru, we could ensure that our children have access to fresh, healthy food, while also maintaining jobs in our local areas.
Reducing food miles
“Today we’ve heard from the farmer, who produces the raw ingredients; the processor, South Caernarfon Creameries; the distributor, Harlech Foodservice and the end consumer, school pupils. What is unique about this particular model is that the whole supply chain is based within a five-mile radius, helping to reduce food miles and allowing children to understand where their food has come from.
“This project is a great example of the whole supply chain working together and demonstrates what can be achieved with collaborative working. Six local authorities have signed up to the Larder Cymru project so far and my hope is that we can see an increase in the volume and range of Welsh products being supplied to all Welsh schools in future.”