The Welsh Government has today launched its new "vision for food" to coincide with the return of the Royal Welsh Winter Fair.

Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths is today attending the fair, at Llanelwedd near Builth Wells, to launch the new campaign aimed at growing the value of the Welsh food and drinks industry to £8.5 billion.

It is also intended to help grow the number of employees in the sector receiving the Welsh living wage to 80 per cent, with both aims to be delivered by 2025.

Ms Griffiths said: “It’s great to be back at the Winter Fair and I’m really looking forward to seeing new and familiar faces.

“Much has happened since the last event and there is still plenty I want to achieve which is why I am delighted to be launching our new vision for the sector.

“We have a vibrant and successful food and drink sector here in Wales which I am immensely proud of."

She added: “At the heart of everything we have achieved has been a true partnership between business, academia and government. In 2019 we asked the industry to help us shape a new vision. A huge thank you to the many businesses who gave their time, insight and opinions which has helped to shape this new vision.

“The food and drink industry has a vital role to play in the evolution of the Welsh economy and there is a strong desire to maintain this momentum. We are clear the objectives set out here are just the beginning. This is vital to build on our shared success.

“We cannot ignore the effects of Covid-19 and the UK leaving the European Union. Both continue to impact the industry, and wider society. We must not let either, however challenging, detract from our long-term goals which are promoting growth and productivity, promoting fairness in work, ensuring businesses reach for the highest levels of environmental sustainability and helping them achieve this through enhancing their reputation and standards. Everything our new vision hopes to achieve.”

The vision is aimed at every business within the sector, covering each part of the industry’s process such as manufacturing and processors as well as retailers and exporters.