In recent years the UK has seen food supply is not secure, and a reliable, affordable supply is essential for all – including cities, Valleys, and rural areas. The ‘Our Food 1200’ initiative in South East and Central Wales aims to achieve this while cutting carbon emissions and restoring nature. Increasing food production in Wales will create jobs, new supply chains, and fair pricing for farms. This effort will also help protect against sudden price rises and supply failures, addressing vulnerabilities such as climate change, biodiversity loss, extreme weather, and resource shortages.
Our Food 1200 emerged from online conversations about local food during Covid, supported by the Conservation Farming Trust. Established as a community benefit society in 2022, Our Food 1200 provides local leadership to rebuild the local food economy. The two organizations work together, accessing funds and implementing work according to their different constitutions. Our Food 1200 aims for large-scale change by growing 1200 acres of agroecological fruit and vegetables for local markets, a target sufficient to trigger a recovery of the local food economy.
The project has several goals, including developing locally owned supply chains to new and local markets and creating new opportunities for all farms in the region. Successes so far include:
Our Food 1200 seeks Welsh Government policy support to expand local market growing and create new local supply chains for cities, Valleys, and rural areas. This ambitious project is essential for building a resilient food supply, creating jobs, and ensuring fair pricing while addressing the broader challenges of climate change and food security.
If you’re interested in supporting or contributing to food security in Wales, you can find links, information and opportunities on the Our Food project website.