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Written question asked by Manuela Perteghella (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 10 October 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 October 2025. It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Monday, 20 October 2025 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Cereals: Imports

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of grain imports produced to standards lower than those required in the UK on domestic producers.

Answer

The UK has a highly resilient food supply chain. For the cereal crops that are produced domestically, the UK has been over 80% self-sufficient for a number of years. Due to environmental and climate conditions the UK milling industry require a certain level of imports of high protein milling wheat year on year to meet consumer demand.

The Department has not undertaken an assessment of the impact of grain imports produced to standards lower than those required for domestic producers. However, we recognise the importance of maintaining high production standards to protect consumer confidence, food safety, and the competitiveness of British farmers.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
79991
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Agriculture Cereals Imports Standards
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk