Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Baroness Brown of Silvertown (Labour) on Monday, 13 March 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 March 2023. It was answered by Andrew Mitchell (Conservative) on Monday, 20 March 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Kenya: Food Supply

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the impact of the Seeds and Plant Varieties Act on the ability of small-holder farmers using indigenous seeds and informal seed trading practices in Kenya to (a) escape poverty, (b) purchase seeds in a cost effective way and (c) avoid the overuse of fertilisers and pesticides.

Answer

Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya's economy, employing 40% of the population and providing 65% of export earnings. Supporting the sector and integrating small-holder farmers into value chains is a priority for both the Government of Kenya and the UK.

The UK Government understands that through the Seed and Plant Varieties Act, the Government of Kenya is seeking to promote the use of new high yielding, climate resilient crop varieties. This has the potential to help farmers purchase seeds, increase yields and reduce poverty. It will also remain important to protect the rights of indigenous farmers to conserve traditional crop varieties and promote organic fertilisers and bio-pesticides.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
163881
Session
2022-23
Subjects
Agriculture Food supply Seeds Kenya
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk