Written question asked by Matt Hancock (Independent (affiliation)) on Friday, 13 October 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 17 October 2023. It was answered by Mark Spencer (Conservative) on Friday, 20 October 2023 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Proteins: Novel Foods

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she is taking steps to encourage private investment in the alternative protein sector.

Answer: Defra directly supports innovative techniques by shaping and contributing to funding programmes open to our industry. Defra has so far invested over £4 million into industry led research and development for innovative solutions for sustainable on farm proteins via the Defra-UKRI Farming Innovation Programme. This will fund research and development to enhance the productivity and environmental impact of proteins that are grown or raised by farmers. Funding is split across early-stage feasibility projects, and industrial research projects.

Secondary information