Written question asked by Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Henley (Conservative) on Thursday, 14 July 2011.

Food: Production

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to reverse the decline in United Kingdom food production, expand vegetable crops sustainably and increase United Kingdom fruit production.

Answer: In August 2010, the Fruit and Vegetable Taskforce published its report on increasing fruit and vegetable production and consumption and in October followed this with an action plan for industry, growers, retailers, wholesalers, non-governmental organisations and Government to take forward, working together to reduce barriers and find innovative solutions. We are continuing to take a close and positive interest in progress on the action plan. In May 2011, the Taskforce on Farming Regulation reported on reducing the regulatory barriers facing farmers, including fruit and vegetable growers. The Government will respond later this year. The Government continue to fund horticultural research through their R&D programmes on sustainable farming systems, agriculture and climate change, sustainable water management, and a resource-efficient and resilient food chain. The Technology Strategy Board-led Sustainable Agriculture and Food Innovation Platform, co-funded by Defra and BBSRC with up to £90 million over five years, is providing match funding to industry for research and development to encourage innovation. The first call covered crop protection. We are also encouraging increased consumption of fruit and vegetables with the 5 a Day campaign, the school fruit and vegetable scheme and supporting projects to reconnect children and schools with farms and food production.

Secondary information