Research and Analysis: Strengthening Local and Regional Food Systems in North Wales

Tender description

With support from the six North Wales Food Partnerships, the Ambition North Wales Agri-food and Tourism Programme Board and the Portfolio Board have approved a piece of regional research that will explore the status of agri-food in the region. The project aims to build on mapping work being done by the Food Coordinators in each local authority to produce a comprehensive report that will provide tangible insights to shape the future of sustainable agri-food in the region, shorten supply chains, create jobs and stimulate further investment in North Wales. The mapping will identify and quantify the scale of regional market demand for local produce and analyse barriers and enablers affecting the supply and demand dynamics in the local agri-food industry. This project aims to support a strategic approach that will help strengthen the North Wales agri-food ecosystem, promoting health, sustainability and economic growth. The study's findings will serve as a catalyst for informed decision-making and future investments to support and drive positive outcomes for the regional agri-food sector. The research will enable local authorities and agri-food organisations across the region to connect and progress work towards building sustainable food systems as a collective rather than through individual initiatives. Analysing and integrating previous mapping work at both local and regional levels is key within this study, as many food partnerships and other organisations have looked at similar topics previously. The successful candidate is expected to leverage existing food mapping initiatives undertaken by local authorities in North Wales. It has been noted that certain local authorities in the region have already conducted comprehensive food mapping work. In the spirit of collaboration and resource optimization, the chosen contractor should actively incorporate and build upon the findings and insights generated by these local authorities in the course of conducting their own mapping work. Additionally, the successful candidate is required to align their mapping efforts with the overarching strategic goals outlined in the Corporate Plans and Wellbeing Plans of all six local authorities in North Wales. This comprehensive approach ensures that the mapping work not only takes into account the existing initiatives by local authorities but also integrates seamlessly with the broader regional development frameworks. By mapping against these strategic plans, the contractor will contribute to a holistic understanding of the local food ecosystem in alignment with the socio-economic and wellbeing objectives outlined by each respective local authority.