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Written question asked by Earl of Caithness (Conservative) on Tuesday, 23 April 2024, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 May 2024. It was answered by Lord Douglas-Miller (Conservative) on Monday, 29 April 2024 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Seeds

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure there are no delays by the Animal and Plant Health Agency in processing applications for new seed varieties; and when they will determine the causes of the current backlog of applications so that in future new varieties are made available to UK growers in a timely manner.

Answer

The backlog of applications for variety listing following EU exit has now largely been resolved.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency and Defra are working closely with stakeholders to monitor the processes involved in variety listing and are currently instigating improvements and resilience in the system.

The UK authorities are working together to develop the first UK Plant Variety and Seeds strategy. Following a Call for Ideas and further industry engagement, additional improvements in the plant variety listing process are anticipated.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL4025
Session
2023-24
Subjects
Licensing Seeds Animal and Plant Health Agency
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk