Hyb Bwyd Cwm Rhondda

In the past Treherbert had a strong identity that was founded on the Welsh coal industry, but has since experienced a significant decline in its industrial sector: from coal mines such as Bute Merthyr, to other sectors such as Burberry and Rollo hardies, resulting in the subsequent decline in employment rates and population. This can be attributed to the town's reliance on branches set up by external and established companies, which would mean that any closures of these branches would have a more significant effect on the town than it would the companies.

As a result, the town has lost a sense of identity and is now looking for a new industry to revitalise its economy and population. In order to introduce something more sustainable, an industry can be generated from and primarily for the town. Therefore, we propose a food system of agGrow food territories that will pioneer the new industry. The consumption sector of the agGrow Food Territories proposes the Rhondda Food Hub.

It will act as a centre for food aggregation, redistribution, and consumption in the Rhondda region, but it will also be unique in the wider context of Wales because it will embrace the principles of conviviality and seasonality, which are inspired by Welsh cuisine, using it as a medium of experience. A sense of transparency and permeability in the system will also bring people together and improve their perception of quality. This will work towards improving the relationship that people have with food and create awareness of the various processes of food production and preparation through education, demonstration, training, and research, thus empowering people with the skills needed to excel in the new industry. By training people to become specialists in Welsh gastronomy, it will act as a base where trained people get “deployed into the field” in various restaurants and kitchens, as well as a source of supplies and ingredients they need to exercise their skills in their careers. Local produce (Rhondda region) as well as high-quality foods from around Wales will be made readily available to consumers both physically and through the Open Food Network online portal.

The food will emphasise more fruits and vegetables than meats to fall in line with the sustainability agenda. It will serve both businesses and individuals of various ages and backgrounds to promote equality. All this will build on the existing Cwm Food Hub as a long-term development. As the Rhondda Food Hub emerges from and is primarily for the town, it will, through these various initiatives, promote a thriving food culture, a holistic food experience of the town, and a genuine sense of identity in the town towards a sustainable future.