Latest news with #Well-beingofFutureGenerationsAct
Business News Wales
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Business News Wales
Future Generations Commissioner Urges All Councils to Back Veg in Schools Project
The Future Generations Commissioner is urging all Welsh councils to commit to children having more Welsh vegetables on their school dinners. Five new councils have now signed up to the Welsh Veg in Schools project, following seven who joined last year. Now Derek Walker says he wants all 22 to do the same as part of his calls for a national food plan. The Welsh Veg in Schools initiative is increasing the supply of locally produced organic vegetables in school meals and Mr Walker said it could be part of a long-term plan to improve Wales' food security and ensure equal access to local, affordable, healthy and sustainable diets. The commitment was one of several made in direct response to the commissioner's report by organisations at the Future Generations Action Summit at National Museum Wales which marked 10 years of the Well-being of Future Generations Act on the launch of the Future Generations Report. The event was attended by 300 people. Katie Palmer, Head of Food Sense Wales, announced that five new councils – Pembrokeshire, Torfaen, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea and Gwynedd – will join Welsh Veg in Schools. Bridgend, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Monmouthshire, Powys and Vale of Glamorgan councils are already part of the scheme. Welsh Veg in Schools is a pilot project co-ordinated by Food Sense Wales that aims to get more organically produced Welsh veg into primary school meals across Wales. Working with partners including Castell Howell, Farming Connect Horticulture, as well as a number of growers, it builds on the commitment from Welsh Government to ensure every primary aged child in Wales is offered a free school meal and that the food used to produce that meal, where possible, comes from local suppliers. Katie said: 'At its heart, Welsh Veg in Schools is about getting sustainably produced, local veg into schools to nourish children via their school meals. We aren't producing enough vegetables in Wales and we need to be building our own supply base, bringing benefit to local communities and reducing our reliance on imports through connecting local growers with local wholesalers and fostering relationships that help businesses flourish.' Food Sense Wales published a report that said around 25% of all vegetables served in schools across Wales could be organic by 2030 with the right planning and investment in infrastructure, and that an increase of 3.3p per meal per day from local authorities and the Welsh Government could enable the inclusion of two portions of local organic vegetables in school meals seasonally. Meanwhile, at the event Pembrokeshire National Coast National Park Authority committed to a real Living Wage plan within two years, which the commissioner is asking for from all public bodies as a critical step to tackle poverty. Pembrokeshire National Coast National Park Authority Tegryn Jones said: 'A living wage makes a real difference to people, it provides a decent standard of living and allows workers to save for the future. 'I encourage all other public bodies in Wales to take this step towards accreditation so that we can shape an economy at local and national level around fair work, for current and future generations.' Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda University Health Board, committed to using the agreed definition of prevention between Welsh Government and the commissioner's team, to be a pilot site to map their preventative spend. Sir Michael Marmot spoke at the event about the commitment by Welsh Government for the whole of Wales to become a Marmot region – which means committing to tackling inequity through action on the social determinants of health. Aled Vaughan Owen, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability from Carmarthenshire County Council, talked about the action Carmarthenshire is taking on climate and nature, including a new approach to pasture cutting for pollinators and dedicating council farms to vegetable growing. Julie-Ann Haines, CEO of the Principality Building Society, gave an overview of the role of the private sector in delivering a more sustainable future. Professor Emmanuel Ogbonna CBE, Professor of Management and Organization, Cardiff Business School, spoke about the Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan and its central role in ensuring that a more equal Wales is a core impact of all action for future generations. Young voices included Saffron Rennison, Public Affairs Executive for Football Association of Wales, and Future Generations Leadership Academy Alumna, who discussed using the Well-being of Future Generations Act in her work, including advocating for better representation of women and Black, Asian and ethnic minority people in football. Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, said: 'The 50 recommendations in my Future Generations Report will help Welsh Government and those delivering public services to improve lives in Cymru. A week after publishing the report, I am already seeing major commitments to my calls and I urge more public bodies to sign up – including the 10 councils who are yet to make a commitment to more vegetables on school children's plates. 'I look forward to seeing more action on nature recovery, more involvement of communities in shaping policy, ringfenced prevention budgets to solve problems before they occur, a national food plan and a real Living Wage plan by every public body within two years.' Hannah Jones, a social and environmental advocate and the outgoing CEO of The Earthshot Prize, was a keynote speaker. The Earthshot Prize is a prize and a platform founded by HRH Prince William and the Royal Foundation in 2020 to search, to spotlight and scale solutions that can help repair and regenerate the planet in this decade.
Business News Wales
22-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Innovation is at the Heart of Sustainable Growth in Wales
In Wales, sustainability is more than just a buzzword. It is something we are actively building into our economy, our communities and our everyday business practices. As a nation, we've set clear and ambitious goals – backed by legislation such as the Well-being of Future Generations Act – and we're beginning to see real progress. At Mentera, we believe that innovation is key to delivering a greener and more resilient Wales. We work with businesses of all sizes to help them embrace sustainable thinking and take practical steps to improve how they manage resources, reduce waste and operate with long-term environmental responsibility in mind. Some of the most exciting progress is happening in sectors that have long been part of the Welsh economy. Agriculture is one such example. Through our work with Farming Connect, we support farmers to explore everything from regenerative practices to smart water management. Farmers like Dai Evershed in Ceredigion are leading the way, adopting smart sensor technology to monitor water use and reduce emissions. His system has not only improved farm operations but also enhanced animal welfare and resilience. It's a practical demonstration of how technology and tradition can work hand in hand. The food and drink sector also continues to stand out. Across Wales, producers are not only improving their products but rethinking how those products are made, packaged and delivered. Grounds for Good, a business founded by Dr Rosie Oretti, has developed an entire product range using repurposed coffee waste. It's an inspiring example of how business leaders can tackle environmental challenges in ways that also create value for customers and communities. Both Dai and Rosie have been supported through programmes run by Mentera on behalf of Welsh Government, and they show what is possible when innovation is matched with commitment. But it's not just about individual success stories. There is increasing recognition that collaboration is vital – not just between businesses and support organisations like ours, but between sectors and across supply chains. Wales is in a good position to lead. We are small enough to move quickly, but we also have the right infrastructure and expertise in place. Our carbon specialists, such as Dr Non Williams, are working directly with businesses to develop decarbonisation plans and identify opportunities. Our support for food producers spans everything from skills development to business growth. And we are continuing to invest in programmes that promote circular economy principles and future-proof our industries. Of course, the challenges remain significant. Whether it's water management, land use or cutting emissions, Wales faces many of the same pressures seen across the UK and the world. But we also have a chance to do things differently. We can set our own standards and back the businesses that are helping to shape a more sustainable future. That's why, at Mentera, we are encouraging business leaders across Wales to take action. Whether it's through reducing waste, adopting clean technologies or working more closely with others, every step matters. The work is already underway – but there's more to do, and we want to support businesses every step of the way. Hear more from Llŷr Roberts on the Mentera podcast series Grassroots to Global here.
Business News Wales
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
'Ambitious' Clean Energy Path Needed for Wales to Capitalise on Benefits of Renewables
Wales must pursue an 'ambitious pathway' to fully realise the benefits of renewable energy. The call came as a major new report by RenewableUK Cymru, in collaboration with Solar Energy UK, and Marine Energy Wales, outlined a national assessment of the full economic, social and environmental value of all renewable technologies out to 2035, and a clear roadmap for realising their potential in Wales. 'Unleashing the Full Value of Welsh Renewables' was launched at the Senedd. Backed by analysis from BiGGAR Economics, the research suggests that by embracing an 'ambitious' renewables strategy, Wales could deliver: 17.9GW of installed renewable capacity £46.9 billion in private investment, with more than £10 billion flowing to Welsh businesses. Nearly 8,000 skilled, high-paid jobs with salaries 26% higher the Welsh average in every part of Wales. Almost £2 billion in tax revenue to support public services, with onshore wind the highest contributor to local authorities. £183 million in direct community benefit funds for local initiatives. 13 million tonnes of CO2 emissions saved by 2035 – the equivalent of taking almost 10 million cars off the road. The report models three distinct economic scenarios for Wales's renewable energy future — Current Targets, Increased Ambition, and Maximising Renewables. Director of RenewableUK Cymru Jessica Hooper said: 'The analysis makes clear that only by pursuing the most ambitious pathway can Wales fully realise the economic and societal benefits on offer for investment, job creation, community wealth-building and nature restoration. This isn't just another report — it's a call to action. 'This is an opportunity too big to ignore — or to delay. We must invest in grid infrastructure, ports, skills, and planning systems to capture this opportunity before it slips through our fingers.' Supporting the report launch, Eluned Morgan, First Minister of Wales, said: 'Scaling up renewables is not just about hitting climate targets, it is a major economic opportunity for Wales. 'We have the natural resources, industrial capability and talent to become a world leader in renewable energy, but to seize that opportunity we must be bold. Unlocking our full renewable energy potential means powering a new era of green growth, skilled jobs and shared prosperity in every part of Wales. This report makes clear the size of the prize. With the right policies, investment and political will, Wales can lead, and we intend to.' The report also shows how renewables align with the Well-being of Future Generations Act, supporting 86% of national well-being indicators and contributing directly to all seven goals, including a resilient, prosperous, and globally responsible Wales. This landmark research comes at a critical time for Wales, says RenewableUK Cymru, as momentum builds around a dedicated Renewables Sector Deal. The organisation says the report offers a robust evidence base, a clear pathway forward, and identifies the key policy levers needed to form a strategic partnership between government and industry. It calls on decision-makers to set minimum deployment targets for all renewable technologies, which it describes as a 'vital step toward delivering the Maximising Renewables scenario and unlocking the full economic potential for Wales'.
Business News Wales
07-05-2025
- Health
- Business News Wales
We Need a Cultural Shift in Attitudes Towards Health says Future Generations Commissioner
Wales needs a cultural shift in attitudes towards health, says the Future Generations Commissioner. The calls come in The Future Generations Wales Podcast, hosted by Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, which continues its exploration into how the Well-being of Future Generations Act is shaping a better future. Wales is the only country in the world with a Well-being of Future Generations Act, and the commissioner's role is to challenge public bodies to take action today that protects people tomorrow. In this episode, A Healthier Wales, Derek is joined by Tanni, Baroness Grey-Thompson, one of the most accomplished Paralympians in history and a passionate advocate for health, well-being and inclusivity. A multi-Paralympic medallist, Tanni, Baroness Grey-Thompson secured 11 gold medals while competing as a wheelchair athlete in five Paralympic Games from 1988 to 2004. Her dominance extended beyond the track, winning the London Wheelchair Marathon six times and setting more than 30 world records. Beyond sport, she has served as an independent cross-bench member of the House of Lords since 2010 and with a lifetime dedicated to advocacy, is a powerful voice in the discussion on long-term health strategies. As chair of Sport Wales, she is accountable to the Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport for Sport Wales' performance and for the delivery of strategic priorities. At the heart of their conversation is the principle of prevention, a cornerstone of the Future Generations Act. Tanni and Derek discuss the necessity of embedding long-term health strategies rather than relying on short-term fixes. They use the metaphor of a fence at the top of a cliff rather than an ambulance at the bottom to emphasise the importance of proactive well-being measures. By 2025, we can expect to spend, on average, the last 20 years of our lives in ill-health, according to the Well-being of Wales report, 2024. Tanni advocates for a cultural shift in attitudes towards health, with a greater focus on collaboration between sectors to foster lifelong habits that support physical and mental well-being. The Economic Value of Sport report found sport in Wales is helping to directly deliver £1.9 billion in GVA for the Welsh economy, securing 38,345 full time equivalent jobs. As a fierce advocate for accessibility and inclusion, Tanni also highlights the need for physical literacy from an early age. She stresses that sports and physical activity should be available to all, regardless of socioeconomic status or disability. Ensuring that every child has the opportunity to engage in sports, she argues, is essential for building confidence, resilience, and lifelong healthy habits. Despite the well-documented benefits of physical activity, barriers to participation persist. Tanni shares her personal experiences as a wheelchair user navigating an often inaccessible world, shedding light on the daily challenges faced by disabled individuals. She also discusses the additional difficulties women and children encounter in accessing sports and exercise opportunities. These issues, she argues, must be addressed through targeted policies, investment, and a commitment to inclusive programme design. Derek highlights the Future Generations Report, which assesses public bodies' progress and offer recommendations for the next decade. The report, published at the end of April 2025 to mark 10 years of the legislation, serves as a roadmap for embedding well-being into policy, ensuring future generations benefit from healthier, more inclusive communities. In it, the commissioner makes several challenges around health, including calling for annual ringfenced prevention budgets and a move towards long-term funding arrangements to safeguard people's long-term needs. It was launched with a Future Generations Action Summit at National Museum Cardiff, where public bodies made commitments to key recommendations in the report. Since Wales committed to future generations thinking, we have seen a progressive school curriculum, a move to greener transport and a new way to define prosperity away from GDP. When Derek took on the role as commissioner in 2023, he said the law needed to work harder and faster so that people in Wales felt the everyday benefits. Both Derek and Tanni stress in the podcast the importance of maintaining momentum in the face of short-term funding pressures, advocating for sustained investment in long-term health initiatives. The full episode is available now as part of the Future Generations Wales Podcast series produced by Business News Wales. For more information and to read the Future Generations Report 2025, see
