A Productive Discussion about the Local Food System

We recently hosted the Neath Port Talbot Local Food Day at Blancos Hotel, bringing together people from across the food system – including health, farming, hospitality, supply chains and community initiatives.

The purpose of the day was simple: to create space for a whole-system conversation about how we build a food system that works for people, producers and the future.

We heard from a range of speakers offering different perspectives across the system:

• Duncan Fisher, Our Food Trust
• Charlotte Todd, Swansea Bay University Health Board
• Edward Morgan, Castell Howell
• Chris Cundhill, Neath Deli
• Jamie, The Welsh House
• Tom O’Kane, Cae Tan CSA
• Sam, Maddock Kembrey Meats
• Gareth (“Gareth Grasslands”), regenerative livestock farmer

Through these contributions and the wider discussion, we explored the realities of the current system – from public health and supply chain challenges to local production, infrastructure and routes to market. What emerged was a shared recognition that while a huge amount is already happening, these efforts are not yet connected or supported at the scale required.

There is real energy and opportunity in Neath Port Talbot. The next step is to bring this together into a more coordinated, collaborative approach.

We have transcribed the key messages from each of the talks, and compiled these into a written report which we hope will be of wide interest.