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Written question asked by Callum Anderson (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 April 2026. It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 April 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Organic Farming: Buckinghamshire

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to support organic food producers in Buckinghamshire to access export opportunities to Japan.

Answer

Japan is the second largest organic market in Asia, valued at an estimated £1.4 billion in 2023, and expanding rapidly, driven by Japanese government initiatives to promote organic consumption domestically. The UK-Japan agreement to formally recognise the equivalency of each other’s organic livestock standards will help British exporters to meet growing consumer demand for organic products in Japan.

Defra has a network of 16 agri-food and drink attaches who work to remove trade barriers and support UK agri-food businesses to export. This includes an attaché based in Japan. Last year the network removed over 50 trade barriers, estimated by industry to be worth £127million per annum.

Businesses in Buckinghamshire can access a range of tools and support available through the Business Growth Service via business.gov.uk to help businesses sell abroad and find the best country for their product. Additional support can be accessed through the UK Business Academy, which is a free training programme for UK businesses looking to grow their international sales.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
127301
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Japan Buckinghamshire Trade agreements Organic farming
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk