Written question asked by David Warburton (Independent (affiliation)) on Friday, 10 March 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 March 2023. It was answered by Mark Spencer (Conservative) on Thursday, 16 March 2023 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Apples and Pears: Somerset

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent steps she has taken with Cabinet colleagues to support apple and pear growers in Somerset.

Answer: We have supported, and will continue to support, apple and pear growers through multiple avenues. This includes establishing the seasonal worker visa route, the Independent Review of Labour Shortages in the Food Supply Chain, a review of automation in horticulture, and working across Government on energy support. Support for the development of new methods and technologies is available through the Farming Innovation Programme and help to improve environment sustainability and productivity can be sought through the Farming Investment Fund. Apple and pear growers can also benefit from our Environmental Land Management schemes.

Secondary information