Local food partnerships aim to bring more Welsh produce to communities

Local Food Partnerships are playing an increasingly important role in strengthening food systems across Wales, with all 22 local authority areas now supported by active partnership networks.

These partnerships are designed to connect farmers, growers, food businesses, public bodies and community organisations in order to improve local food resilience, support sustainable supply chains and increase access to Welsh produce.

What are Local Food Partnerships?

Local Food Partnerships take a systems-based approach to food, addressing interconnected challenges such as food poverty, sustainability, public health and economic resilience.

The model was pioneered more broadly through the UK-wide Sustainable Food Places network and has been developed in Wales through the leadership of Food Sense Wales, which has supported the creation and coordination of partnerships across the country.

Each partnership focuses on local priorities while contributing to broader Welsh Government goals around food security, healthier diets and green growth.

How the movement developed in Wales

The growth of Local Food Partnerships has been supported by Welsh Government funding and forms a central part of the Community Food Strategy introduced in 2025.

Since 2022, partnerships have steadily expanded across Wales, with ongoing funding commitments extending through to at least 2028.

This investment reflects increasing recognition that stronger local food systems can improve community wellbeing while creating better opportunities for producers.

Strengthening communities and local supply chains

Improved infrastructure can help create clearer pathways between local producers and nearby markets, including independent retailers, community projects and public services.

Shorter supply chains may improve food resilience while reducing environmental impact and supporting local economic retention.

As demand for fresh, seasonal and traceable food continues to rise, stronger partnerships may also help make Welsh produce more accessible within everyday purchasing.

A long-term shift towards food resilience

Local Food Partnerships represent a broader shift towards embedding local food more deeply into Welsh communities.

By improving collaboration, accessibility and sustainability, these networks are helping shape a stronger and more connected food future for Wales.

Sources:

• Welsh Government Community Food Strategy

• Food Sense Wales Local Food Partnerships overview

• Welsh Government Local Food Partnerships funding announcements