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Written question asked by Andrew Bowie (Conservative) on Monday, 28 October 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 30 October 2024. It was answered by Daniel Zeichner (Labour) on Monday, 4 November 2024 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Food: Production

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to support farmers to increase the (a) volume and (b) variety of fruit and vegetables they produce.

Answer

The Government appreciates and values the vital work of the horticulture industry and recognises its role in maintaining a secure food supply.  As part of our mission-driven government, and in partnership with the sector, we are considering how best to support our fruit and vegetable growers in the future to achieve our ambitious, measurable, and long-term goals for the sector.

Innovation, such as the development of new crop varieties and growing systems, has added to the huge range of top quality and nutritious fruit and vegetables already grown in the UK, and has allowed our growers to extend the growing seasons of a variety of crops, for example strawberries.

We also continue to support long-term Genetic Improvement Networks (GINs) to improve crop varieties by developing traits to improve their nutritional quality, and enhance productivity levels, sustainability and resilience.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
11326
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Farmers Fruit Production Vegetables
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk