Written question asked by Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Bach (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 January 2006.

Polytunnels

Question: What benefits they have identified from the use of polytunnels; how many food miles they estimate are saved by polytunnel grown produce per annum; and what is the total value to the economy of fruit and vegetables grown in polytunnels.

Answer: The Government’s view on the use of polytunnels is that their use in the production of horticultural produce can benefit the economy and has a place in sustainable production, provided that growers manage them sensitively, especially with regard to their visual impact.Polytunnels are used to protect crops from the weather and provide enhanced growing conditions. They help British growers meet consumer demand by supplying a wide range of home-grown produce over an extended growing season, and can help reduce pesticide use.The Government have made no estimate of the food miles saved by production in polytunnels, nor of the value to the economy of fruit and vegetables grown in polytunnels.

Secondary information