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Written question asked by Helen Maguire (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.

Agricultural Products: Imports

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to reduce the UK’s reliance on imported produce from countries facing high climate-related agricultural vulnerabilities.

Original answer

To ensure a consistent supply of food, the UK relies upon a combination of strong domestic production from the UK’s agricultural and food manufacturing sectors, and a diverse range of overseas supply sources. Trade supports UK food supply resilience. This is due to the UK having diverse trade routes, strong international supply and purchasing power.

At home, the Government’s recently published Food Strategy identifies priority outcomes for resilient domestic production for a secure supply of healthier food, and also to create conditions for the food sector to thrive and grow sustainably, including investment in innovation and productivity, and fairer more transparent supply chains. We have allocated £11.8 billion to sustainable farming and food production over this parliament.

The answer was corrected by Angela Eagle (Labour)

on Monday, 20 October 2025 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Corrected answer

To ensure a consistent supply of food, the UK relies upon a combination of strong domestic production from the UK’s agricultural and food manufacturing sectors, and a diverse range of overseas supply sources. Trade supports UK food supply resilience. This is due to the UK having diverse trade routes, strong international supply and purchasing power.

At home, the Government’s recently published Food Strategy Good Food Cycle identifies priority outcomes for resilient domestic production for a secure supply of healthier food, and also to create conditions for the food sector to thrive and grow sustainably, including investment in innovation and productivity, and fairer more transparent supply chains. We have allocated £11.8 billion to sustainable farming and food production over this parliament.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
80969
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Climate change Imports Agricultural products
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk