Urgent Call for Coordinated Action to Secure a Regional Food System
The Local Food Partnerships of Dyfed-Powys, led by Bwyd Powys Food, have published a landmark report highlighting the critical fragility of our food supply. “Civil Food Resilience Dyfed-Powys” provides a robust evidence base and practical insights to inform a future Food Resilience Strategy for the region and was funded by Welsh Government.
“Food security does not just happen; it needs to be pursued.” Tim Lang, Professor Emeritus of Food Policy
The Reality of Our Food System
The report confirms that while Dyfed-Powys possesses considerable strength in agricultural production—particularly cereals, meat, dairy, and eggs—vulnerabilities are substantial:
- The Horticulture Gap: Despite occupying 56% of Wales’ total agricultural land, only 5% of agricultural land in Dyfed-Powys is dedicated to crops and horticulture.
- The Consumption Gap: Less than 5% of agricultural produce grown within Dyfed-Powys is consumed by the local population.
- Access Inequality: 36% of small areas across the region are in the most deprived 10% in Wales regarding access to services.
- Preparedness Gap: At the time of research, zero councils across the region had published specific emergency food plans.
Clear Actions for a Resilient Food System
Building a food system capable of withstanding future shocks requires action at every level of society. These recommendations are drawn from the report’s eight key delivery areas.
For Individuals and Households
Upskill in Food Management: Build skills in cooking with affordable, seasonal staples and locally sourced produce. Learn to use leftovers creatively to reduce waste.
Strengthen Social Networks: Talk about food resilience with friends and family. Participate in community events and get to know your neighbours.
Grow Food: Grow food at home where possible to build self-reliance and practical knowledge.
Get involved: Sign our food charters and join your Local Food Partnership (Bwyd Powys Food, Bwyd Sir Gâr, Partneriaeth Bwyd Ceredigion, or Pembrokeshire Food Partnership).
For Regional Organisations
Local Authorities, Public Service Boards, Local Resilience Forums
Establish Governance: Prepare a regional governance mechanism for food resilience with clear roles and links to Local Resilience Forums (LRFs).
Develop Infrastructure: Establish County Farms as hubs for horticulture, processing, storage, and distribution to strengthen local supply.
Leverage Procurement: Set public body targets for local procurement and support the creation of local co-ops to provide predictable income for growers.
Prioritise Vulnerable Groups: Collate and safely share information with trusted community partners to support the identification of vulnerable people.
For Communities and Local Organisations
Build Relationships: Use food as an inclusive way to bring people together across boundaries and get to know the ‘faces behind the food’.
Support Local Production: Open community farms and gardens to expand local production.
Fund staff to support these community growing projects.
For National Bodies (Welsh Government)
Invest in Supply Chains: Provide financial and regulatory support (grants, loans, tax incentives) to secure an economic basis for growing and infrastructure.
Develop Emergency Planning: Prepare emergency legislation to guide national stockpile distribution and engage with retailers on rationing criteria.
Embed Food Literacy: Integrate food skills, batch cooking, and sustainable food systems into the school curricula.
Fund Local Action: Fund Local Food Partnerships sufficiently and on long cycles (5-year minimum) to empower local delivery.
The Evidence Base (Downloads)
The resources below provide a high-level look at the vulnerabilities of the Dyfed-Powys food system and our shared vision for a diverse, decentralised, and climate-adapted supply. For a copy of the full report, contact your local food partnership.
Research conducted by Miller Research (UK) Ltd & The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT).
Dyfed-Powys Food Resilience Project Overview
Commissioned by Food Sense Wales
The Machinery Ring Initiatives
Commissioned by Dyfed Powys Civil Food Resilience Project – Bwyd Powys Food
The Machinery Rings Manifesto
Commissioned by Commissioned by Dyfed Powys Civil Food Resilience Project – Bwyd Powys Food
To request the FULL REPORT please contact your local partnership, contacts listed below.
The Project Team
Bwyd Powys Food – Project lead, (Powys) Chloe Masefield chloe.masefield@cultivate.uk.com
Bwyd Sir Gâr Food Partnership (Carmarthenshire) Augusta Lewis augusta@farmgarden.org.uk
Partneriaeth Bwyd Ceredigion (Ceredigion) Ann Owen ann.owen@mentera.cymru
Pembrokeshire Food Partnership (Pembrokeshire) Sue Latham sue.latham@planed.org.uk
Research Leads:
Tom Bajjada (Miller Research): tom@miller-research.co.uk
Rachel Tuckett (Centre for Alternative Technology): rachel.tuckett@cat.org.uk
