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Showcasing successful models for sustainable food procurement in Wales

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A PIONEERING event at Senedd brought together three initiatives that have been funded by the Welsh Government’s Rural Development Programme to explore the next steps for public procurement of sustainable food and supply chain development in Wales.

Social Farms & Gardens, Menter Môn, and PLANED presented their achievements, opportunities, and recommendations for delivering local food for local people that benefits the environment, economy, and society.

Abi Marriott, Coordinator of the Wales Community Food Distribution (WCFD), said: “The ‘Welsh Food Futures’ event provided clear evidence from all three pilots, demonstrating how different models can work together to support public procurement of food that delivers environmental, economic, and social benefits to the people of Wales.”

The event, on June 8, was sponsored by Senedd Ministers from across the parties, including Cefin Campbell MS, Eluned Morgan MS, Jane Dodds MS, Peter Fox MS and Russell George MS.

Attendees had the opportunity to engage in Q&A sessions and presentations, as well as participate in small focus groups that allowed them to share their experiences and views on delivering local food for local people, and the needs for delivering environmental gains, high nutritional values, and carbon savings through public procurement.

One of the attendees told us “it was brilliant to see the culmination of PLANED, Menter Môn
and Social Farms and Gardens’ hard work. The showcase was a valuable insight into
the potential future of Wales’ food industry, and really highlighted the value
of new and innovative models such as the ones we saw today.”

Through this exchange of knowledge and ideas, the pilot programmes demonstrated how different models can work together successfully, supporting public procurement of sustainable food and short supply chains that deliver environmental, economic, and social benefits.

During the event, attendees learned about project outcomes, key recommendations and heard from community members and project beneficiaries.

‘’We were delighted to see so many guests from across the parties encouraging
conversations about food and the challenges and opportunities of creating a local,
sustainable food supply chain.” Sam Stables, Produce Officer (WCFD)

The event also showcased food and drink from Welsh suppliers, highlighting their carbon footprint and nutrient density. Participating suppliers included Welsh Brew Tea, Dwyfor Coffee, Coffi Dre, The Morris’s farm in Crickhowell, Hooma Hu – Veg, Newtown Cultivate – Microgreens from CEA, Microacers Wales, Valleys Veg, Llaeth y Llan, South Caernarfon Creameries, Edwards of Conwy, and bread from Welsh bakeries such as Village Bakery.

Overall, the Welsh Food Futures event was a great success in bringing together key stakeholders to explore innovative models for public procurement of sustainable food and short supply chains in Wales. The initiatives showcased their achievements, opportunities, and recommendations for delivering local food that benefits the environment, economy, and society.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

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THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

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Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.

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