News

A plan of action for Welsh food and drink

Published

10 years ago

June 24, 2014

A NEW action plan setting out how the Welsh Government will help Wales’s food and drink industry grow by 30 percent to £7 billion by 2020 was launched yesterday (Thursday) Alun Davies, the Minister for Natural Resources and Food.

Wales’s food and farming industry is already a significant contributor to the Welsh economy and accounts for £5.2bn turnover, 45,000 jobs and £1.3bn Gross Value Added (GVA) in Wales. Towards Sustainable Growth: An Action Plan for the Food and Drink Industry 2014 – 2020 recognises the importance of the sector and lists 48 actions that will deliver greater profitability, growth and jobs. All actions are time-specific and will be measured against outcomes. They include: Creating a Food & Drink Wales Industry Board to provide leadership and a voice for the industry Developing the new Food & Drink Wales/ Bwyd a Diod Cymru identity for food and drink to emphasise Welsh provenance and promote trade and market development Focusing on training to create a skilled and capable workforce throughout the food chain The Minister will address around 150 food businesses, farming unions, university representatives and key players from the UK’s food and drink industry in Cardiff later today and will set out how the plan will help achieve sustainable growth and a profitable future for the sector. Alun Davies said: “This is a very exciting time to be involved in the Welsh food and drink industry – we are progressing well, but we must do more to achieve our ambitious targeting of increasing the turnover of the food and drink sector by 30 percent over the next seven years. “In producing this plan we have listened to feedback from the industry and have worked to provide the support it needs to thrive – whether that be better research, administration support, help identifying market opportunities, business advice or financial investment. “This plan is not a high level strategy, it is completely focused on delivery. For it to be a success, the plan must be delivered in partnership between the industry and Government – with the new Food and Drink Industry Board representing the voice of the industry and providing clear, strong leadership.” The Minister is inviting nominations from the industry for the position of Chair of the Board and will announce this appointment at the Royal Welsh Show in July. Other speakers at the launch event include Tara McCarthy, Food & Beverages Director of Bord Bia (Irish Food Board) and James Withers, Chief Executive of Scotland Food and Drink, who will talk about their experiences of implementing food and drink strategies in their own countries. The Minister added: “I cannot overstate the importance of Welsh food. It has an impact on almost every part of our daily lives from our economy, climate, health and our ability to learn – as well as being central to the culture of Wales. “Despite successes in recent years, so far we have only scratched the surface in terms of what we can achieve and I see this action plan opening up new opportunities for our food producers in terms of exports, skills and training and increasing the profile and reputation of Welsh food.”

Community

Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby

Published

6 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.

Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.

The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.

Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.

Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.

As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.

For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.

With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.

Community

Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan

Published

6 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.

At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.

The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”

With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.

Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.

Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.

Charity

Peter’s walk for veterans suffering from mental health issues

Published

7 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON Saturday, March 30, Peter Kraus undertook a 15.6-mile walk from Front Street in Pembroke Dock to Carew Castle to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD.

Originally believing the route to be 10 miles, Kraus faced a greater challenge than anticipated. He organized the walk through the Combat Stress Site, aiming to raise £1000. “They look after us and keep us safe,” Kraus told The Herald, expressing his effort as a gesture of gratitude towards the veterans.