VSO HUSTINGS

The Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) Hustings in Abergavenny last night was packed out, with literally standing room only, with the candidates from the 4 main parties being present. Naturally everyone present agreed that the UK Government should honour the commitment to delivering 0.7% of GDP as international aid - but in truth recession not withstanding this is not enough.

Plaid has long supported the campaign to cancel developing countries unaffordable debts and has called for more resources to be made available for the UN Adaption Fund which has been set up to help developing countries adapt to the effects of climate change. Plaid has demanded equal representation for developing countries in the decision making process on climate change action and has long supported the international Fair Trade movement.  

As you would expect Fair Trade, Fairness, Equality, Climate Change and Peak oil came up amongst other topics for discussion. VSO, OXFAM and other development agencies have specific programmes that aim to help poor men and women in the developing countries when it comes to health care, growing crops, access to literacy and to affordable credit. As poor education, poor health and lack of access to credit and markets has hit vulnerable groups in developing countries particularly hard. 

The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, came in for some criticism - Plaid has long called for essential governance reform such international organisations so that they take into account human rights, the environment and workers rights.  The role of multi-nationals was also discussed along with their impact on the developing world along with how better use of procurement policies here in the UK could benefit both us and food producers, here and in developing countries.  

TIME FOR A CYMRU CARD

The suggestion that a Cymru Card scheme, a Wales loyalty Card, be created is a good one, which could be linked to existing supermarket loyalty card schemes on the one hand, or ‘shop local’ cards in different towns across Wales. Alternative schemes would be explored with those supermarket groups who do not have a loyalty card scheme, such as Morrisons and Asda.

A number of large supermarkets and other organisations offer loyalty points schemes to their customers. A number of the larger supermarkets already have promotions in place to acknowledge customers who support environmentally friendly or Fairtrade products.

Plaid’s suggestion is for a similar system to encourage customers to buy locally produced goods, as well as Welsh produce overall. The difference is that by tying these loyalty schemes in with a local angle, which offer specific incentives for buying local produce will ensure that even when shopping in larger stores people can do their bit for local businesses.

This is not pie in the sky, as similar systems already exist; in Ireland there is the Shamrock scheme where shoppers can earn bonus supermarket loyalty points for buying home-grown goods. The Scots are looking to develop a similar proposal. The Welsh scheme that Plaid is proposing would provide a huge boost for Welsh food producers and for the agricultural industry as a whole.

This could provide an opportunity to encourage supermarkets, grocers and producers to work together to explore the creation of our own scheme in Wales and give greater prominence to local produce. This scheme should be very welcome in Monmouthshire where we have a host of local businesses who would able to ensure their excellent products are promoted effectively.

Plaid in government in Wales has already taken action to encourage people to buy Welsh produce. Plaid Minister Elin Jones AM, whose government responsibilities include food and farming, launched the Local Sourcing Action Plan last year which aims to get more local consumption of locally produced food - whether it's through public sector contracts, supermarkets or restaurants. She is also developing policy around Community Food Growing - again, looking at more innovative ways of increasing the amount of food locally produced and consumed

This would be an excellent way of boosting the local economy by encouraging customers to support Welsh farmers and food producers, and may start the ball rolling to getting our farmers and food producers a fairer deal with the Supermarkets. A Welsh produce loyalty scheme would have a number of benefits.

A Cymru Card could help encourage healthier eating, help cut down on food miles, and help give our local farmers, our food producers and our local businesses a much needed boost, especially during the present economic difficulties. It will also assure people that they are getting the excellent quality produce that is on offer throughout Wales. and may help to keep money circulating for longer in the local economy.