A CONSERVATIVE AM has called for the National Assembly for Wales to use Abergavenny Food Festival as blueprint for strategy to promote Welsh food produce, cuisine, economic growth and tourism.

South Wales East AM William Graham

Speaking during Plenary last week, South Wales East AM William Graham drew attention to the fact that the Abergavenny Food Festival has brought up to £30 million and a quarter of a million people into Monmouthshire since it was launched in 1999.

Mr?Graham said, "This is a local initiative which has grown into become an event that focuses global interest in Wales, Welsh food produce and cuisine.

"It has become a driver for increased growth in the economy and tourism.

"We must acknowledge importance of Food Festivals in all regions of Wales and the requirement for a cross-cutting strategy more fully promote Welsh food produce and cuisine; together with Wales as a place to invest and visit.

"The Abergavenny Food Festival would be an effective blueprint for the development of a strategy."