Written question asked by Dan Carden (Labour) on Monday, 9 January 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 12 January 2023 (named day). It was answered by Mark Spencer (Conservative) on Monday, 16 January 2023 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Food: Prices

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help reduce food prices.

Answer: Rising food prices are dependent on a combination of factors including agri-food import prices, domestic agricultural prices, domestic labour and manufacturing costs. Given sustained pressures, we anticipate food prices continuing to trend upwards in the short term. Defra is closely monitoring the situation and taking action to maintain an efficient food supply chain by mitigating against any potential burdens or friction which could otherwise drive-up consumer food prices. In addition, my Department continues to use regular engagement to work with retailers and producers to explore the range of measures they can take to ensure the availability of affordable food. However, it is not for HM Government to set retail food prices nor to comment on day-to-day commercial decisions by companies.

Secondary information