The Horticulture Sector Growth Plan is sector-led, using sector expertise to create evidence-based plans that set out a clear vision and pathway to deliver growth. Sector expert groups have determined the remit of the Horticulture plan based on their industry expertise.

Fresh peas and beans grown as horticultural crops are within the scope of the Plan. Legumes and pulses cultivated as arable crops, requiring processing or not for direct human consumption, are more aligned with the arable sector, and their interests will be considered through work with the arable sector.

There are a large number of potential food ingredients that may cause allergic reactions in sensitised individuals. The current 14 regulated allergens are recognised as the most common and potent allergens of public health concern across Europe. They must be clearly identified on prepacked foods and communicated effectively when eating out. Although peas and other legumes are not regulated allergens, they must still be declared in the ingredients list when they are intentionally used in any prepacked food products.

The Food Standards Agency continues to work to make it easier for people with food hypersensitivities, such as allergies, intolerances, and coeliac disease, to have access to clear and accurate information which is a fundamental part of its work. Its research can be found at the following link:

https://www.food.gov.uk/research/food-hypersensitivity

The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) pays farmers and land managers to carry out actions that support the sustainable production of food and boost farm productivity and resilience, while protecting and enhancing the environment. Within SFI there are existing actions which can support pulses and legumes. On improved grassland there is an action to add legumes to the grass. On arable land there is a companion cropping action to grow two or more crops together which can include pulses or legumes as a companion.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has policy responsibility for food safety, including food allergen labelling, in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and Food Standards Scotland are responsible for food allergen labelling in Scotland. Food businesses have a duty to inform customers about 14 mandatory allergens which are recognised across Europe as the most common allergenic ingredients of public health concern. Pulses and legumes (with the exception of peanuts) are not included in the list of 14 mandated allergens. The prevalence of allergy to pulses and legumes in the United Kingdom is currently unknown, though any emerging evidence will continue to be assessed as it becomes available.

Food businesses who sell prepacked or prepacked for direct sale foods, such as food-to-go, are required to provide a full list of ingredients, and to highlight the 14 allergens on packaging. Those with an allergy or intolerance to foods outside of the 14 mandated allergens should be able to check the ingredients list and avoid the foods they need to.

For non-prepacked food, such as food served in a restaurant, the food business must provide information on the presence of any of the 14 allergens. They can do this in writing or verbally. People with food hypersensitivities should ask if the food they wish to avoid is used in any of the dishes. If in doubt, or the information cannot be reliably provided, the advice is to not eat at the premises.

British farmers are world-leaders and carefully plan their planting to suit the weather, their soil type, and their long-term agronomic strategy. It is not HM Government policy to dictate which crops farmers should prioritise to include in their rotation but there are some incentives if they do choose to grow leguminous or deep rooting crops, recognising and rewarding the environmental benefits these bring.

Applications for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) opened from 30^th June 2022 for Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) eligible farmers.

In the arable and horticultural soils standard for 2022 we will pay farmers for adding organic matter and minimising bare ground over winter. Winter cover and the addition of organic matter can be achieved by growing a number of crops including legumes.

In the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, we have options which pay farmers to sow legume fallows and to establish and maintain legume rich swards in grassland.

I met with the Grain and Feed Trade Association (GAFTA) and the British Edible Pulse Association (BEPA) in November 2013. I was pleased to confirm to them that the UK Government supported the United Nations Resolution to designate 2016 as the International Year of Pulses, which was passed in December 2013.

DEFRA officials are working with GAFTA and BEPA to ensure that Government Departments are fully involved in discussions on promoting the international year.