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Written question asked by Liz Saville Roberts (Plaid Cymru) on Wednesday, 30 December 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 11 January 2021. It was answered by James Duddridge (Conservative) on Monday, 11 January 2021 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Soya Beans: Forests

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his counterparts across the globe on the impact of soy production on deforestation.

Answer

A due diligence obligation set out in the Environment Bill will make it illegal for UK businesses to use agricultural commodities if they have not been produced in line with local laws protecting forests. This will help to ensure that UK imports of soya come from sustainable sources, and the Government is working to encourage other major markets to take a similar position.

As President of the COP26 climate change conference, the UK is also working to establish a new partnership between consumer and producer countries of agricultural commodities. The partnership will promote collaboration between governments and accelerate action to stop deforestation caused by agricultural commodities, including soya, and encourage trade in commodities that have been grown sustainably.

This political engagement complements UK International Climate Finance for forest protection and sustainable agriculture in key regions, including soya-producing regions of Brazil.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
133095
Session
2019-21
Subjects
Forests Soya beans
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk