Written question asked by Baroness McIntosh of Pickering (Conservative) on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 July 2026. It was answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour) on Thursday, 9 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Clean Energy

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to (1) review, and (2) reduce, the amount of productive farmland being taken out of food production for clean energy schemes.

Answer

The Land Use Framework (LUF) included a review of the demand for productive farmland from clean energy schemes and makes clear that land use change should be focussed away from our most productive farmland to prioritise resilient food production.

The key decision-making principles in the LUF are already reflected in the National Planning Policy Framework, which supports the effective use of land. Defra is also working with the National Energy System Operator and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to ensure that energy infrastructure needs are balanced with other national priorities such as food production and based on the same land use data.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL1497
Session: 2026-27
Subjects: Food Production Clean energy
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Clean Energy

Secondary information

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