PROJECTS  > FOOD FOR THE REGION PROJECT HUB

What we eat, where our food comes from, and what we do with our land across the region has a massive impact on the health, wealth and wellbeing of people, places and the planet. 4theRegion is actively working to bring together all those who care about our regional food system, to share knowledge, collaborate and support initiatives to make change happen.

We held a major online Food Conference in October 2021, and from the 8 hours of inclusive conversations we compiled a Regional Food Report outlining priorities and actions for policy makers, organisations and people at every level. Click here to read the full Report.

Following this, we came back together in April 2022 and once again in January 2023, to reflect on what needs to happen, and to shine a light on some of the great stuff that’s already happening in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot. Catch up with the event recordings here: Day One | Day Two

Our intention is to continue to work with regional partners to address the issues outlined in our Regional Food Report, and to support and champion changemakers across the region who are leading projects, campaigning and innovating food-related areas. With this in mind, our next regional meeting will focus on Policy, and we are inviting policymakers from Welsh Government and the four local authorities to join us and listen to what the people and businesses of South West Wales have to say. Access to land, land policy, supply chains and support for farmers are high on our agenda.

Please subscribe to our mailing list to keep up with our Foodie activities, or reach out if you would like to connect your work and projects with us. We would love to hear what you’re up to and ensure we are connecting the dots across South West Wales.

FOOD FOR THE REGION REGIONAL FOOD SYSTEM CONFERENCE 2022
Following the first Regional Food Conference for South West Wales in October 2021 and a recap event back in April 2022, we brought people together from across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot to share updates, explore emerging projects and encourage collaboration on all things relating to growing, producing, distributing, sharing and caring about food in South West Wales. Catch up with the event recordings here: Day One | Day Two

WELLBEING ECONOMY WALES – TRANSFORMATIONAL FOOD
We are collaborating with Wales’ Wellbeing Economy Alliance “Transformational Food” meeting, bringing together all those working on the food system across Wales. If you are doing something interesting related to food – or thinking about it – or if you would like to hear what others are up to across Wales, please come along. Click here to register for free. 

HOW DO WE FEED OURSELVES? — BLOG POST
The food and farming sector is different from every other sector because it’s vital for our survival. In this blog post, we explored the question: “How can we take action to transform food and farming in South West Wales, making healthy local food accessible to all and good for the planet?” and how agroecology, urban farming and building food resilience could make healthy, local food more accessible. Read the blog here.

FOOD FOR THE REGION — APRIL FOLLOW UP
Following the first Regional Food System Conference in October 2021, we regrouped to share updates, explore emerging projects and encourage collaboration on all things relating to growing, producing, distributing, sharing and caring about food in South West Wales. Catch up on the event recording and report on our conference follow up page.

BYWD ABERTAWE SWANSEA FOOD FORUM
Swansea Food Forum was organised by Bwyd Abertawe on 30th March 2022, with the aim of understanding the views of people from all sectors and communities in Swansea to shape a food charter and vision that will help develop a sustainable food system for the county. Click here to see the key themes and priorities that emerged and catch up with the full event recording here.

FOOD FOR THE REGION — REGIONAL FOOD SYSTEM CONFERENCE FOR SOUTH WEST WALES
Following our major regional food system conference in October 2021, we have compiled the notes from two days of discussion to produce a conference report covering issues and opportunities surrounding the food system in South West Wales.  The goal was to share perspectives and co-produce priorities for regional collaboration, by creating space for a wide diversity of people to participate in conversations about what’s important, what they’d love to see, and how we can make change happen. Catch up on all the videos and notes in our full conference page, or skip straight to the report: FOOD CONFERENCE REPORT

WHAT WALES COULD DO WITH A COMMUNITY FOOD STRATEGY
The Welsh Government has announced that it will create a Community Food Strategy during its current term.  Jane Powell explores the benefits of a comprehensive community food strategy that would consider land use for Wales.  “Such a food policy could help us decide what our land is for, as well as pulling together other threads, from farming and the economy to health and social inclusion.”
What Wales Could Do With A Community Food Strategy

WALES FOOD MANIFESTO
From shorter food supply chains to a focus on education and understanding, the Wales Food Manifesto is a citizen-led campaign for a food system that will protect and respect people and nature.  The draft version of the manifesto is now open for comments and feedback.
Wales Food Manifesto (Draft)

WALES FIELD GUIDE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
Jane Davidson chairs the Wales Inquiry for the Food, Farming & Countryside Commission, and this 2020 report draws from their conversations with people across the nation, illustrating the incredible work already underway. “These inspiring stories show a surge in energy and appetite for new ways of sourcing and growing food and a new appreciation for the role of the countryside.”
FFCC Wales Field Guide for Future Generations 

FOOD POLICY ALLIANCE CYMRU – MANIFESTO
Food Policy Alliance Cymru is a coalition of organisations and stakeholders building and promoting a collective vision for the Welsh food system, through collaboration, engagement and research.  Their 2021 Manifesto envisions a food system that eliminates food poverty, supports population health, provides good jobs and focuses on sustainable, zero carbon faming for nature and climate.
Food Policy Alliance Cymru Manifesto 

TYFU CYMRU SUPPORTS COMMERCIAL HORTICULTURE IN WALES
Boosting horticulture farming is key to the Welsh Government’s plans to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic and is identified by their Green Recovery Taskforce as a route to accelerating Wales’ transition to a low-carbon economy and a healthier, more equal nation. Tyfu Cymru (Grow Wales) provides funded, tailored support to Wales’ horticulture sector, and has published a Commercial Horticulture Action Plan for Wales.
Tyfu Cymru and the Wales Horticulture Alliance