Written question asked by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green Party) on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Friday, 2 January 2026. It was answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 December 2025 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Fungi

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) agricultural composting facilities, (2) green waste, and (3) crop residue piles, as potential reservoirs for azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus; and what plans they have to improve surveillance of that issue.

Answer

In support of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) national action plan commitments, the Environment Agency (EA) actively carries out research into environmental transmission and risks associated with antimicrobial resistance. This includes research on monitoring antifungal resistance and bioaerosols.

The EA recognises the potential human health impacts of bioaerosols, particularly on the respiratory system. The EA actively regulates bioaerosol risks from waste treatment, including open composting of green wastes and digestate fibres. Regulated activities must hold a permit. Higher risk facilities monitor bioaerosol emissions including aspergillus fumigatus. These controls developed from over a decade of research collaboration with the EA, academia and industry.

External crop residue storage (non-waste) at anaerobic digestion (AD) sites does not require a permit. However, Defra has recently concluded a consultation on regulatory reform to include non-waste AD facilities. The reform has potential scope to align non-waste AD with regulated waste AD under the Environmental Permitting Regulations.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL13015
Session: 2024-26
Subjects: Agriculture Compost Disease control Infectious diseases Fungi Aspergillosis
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Fungi

Secondary information

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