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Government Food Strategy
13 June 2022
Lead MP
George Eustice
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
ImmigrationEconomyTaxationAgriculture & Rural AffairsParliamentary Procedure
Other Contributors: 29
At a Glance
George Eustice raised concerns about government food strategy in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
ImmigrationEconomyTaxationAgriculture & Rural AffairsParliamentary Procedure
Government Statement
With permission, Madam Deputy Speaker, I would like to make a statement on the Government’s food strategy. Recent events have highlighted the importance of domestic food production for national resilience. The UK is self-sufficient in many products such as wheat and meats, with overall consumption domestically produced at around 74%. The Government commits to maintaining this level, while exploring policies to increase it through innovative glasshouses using surplus heat and carbon dioxide from industrial processes. Concerns about the cost of food have prompted measures to support those struggling to afford healthy food through schemes like Healthy Start and holiday activities programmes. Food manufacturing is a major sector in the UK, offering employment opportunities and local pride. The seasonal workers visa scheme has been expanded to include poultry and new visas will be brought forward for seasonal labour. The public sector aims to source 50% of its food locally or produced to higher standards through consultations. Poor diet leading to obesity requires industry and government cooperation; hence, regulations on retail displays of unhealthy foods are being implemented. A data partnership between industry and the Government is planned to encourage healthier and sustainable food production. The strategy focuses on environmental sustainability with a land use strategy, rewarding farmers for adopting sustainable practices and innovative solutions such as precision breeding techniques and methane capture.
Jim McMahon
Lab Co-op
Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Question
The shadow criticises the minister for failing to meet his own deadline for a comprehensive food strategy. The statement is deemed vague and lacking in concrete proposals addressing critical issues such as trade losses with the EU, labour shortages, obesity rates, and supply crises.
Minister reply
The Minister emphasises the commitment to long-term measures ensuring access to healthy and sustainable food, highlighting initiatives like the Healthy Start scheme and consultations on public sector sourcing. He also mentions plans for a data partnership between industry and government to promote healthier diets and sustainable practices.
Jim McMahon
Lab Co-op
Oldham West and Royton
Question
The Secretary of State's response is too brief considering the scope of issues raised in Henry Dimbleby’s review. The statement fails to address food poverty, obesity, trade loss with EU, labour shortages on farms, lost exports, rotting crops due to unfavourable weather conditions and other critical issues. There is a need for detailed plans that ensure affordable, healthy, sustainable food access while supporting British farmers.
Minister reply
The hon. Member should read the full report which addresses all of his concerns in detail. The soft drinks levy has driven reformulation, there are 40,000 seasonal agricultural workers and a plan to increase public sector spending on agriculture by 50%. Support mechanisms have been put in place for families struggling with energy costs and fertiliser prices are now affordable again.
Robert Goodwill
Con
Hindhead
Question
The strategy should address the reduction in vegetable oil production domestically, reducing our reliance on imported sunflower and rapeseed oil from Ukraine. Secondly, more attention needs to be given to land quality when considering photovoltaic installations.
Minister reply
Planning guidance already presumes against building solar farms on best agricultural land, classified as grade 3b and above. We are discussing recent instances of such buildings with Government colleagues. The withdrawal of neonicotinoids has led to a decline in rapeseed crop but prices have recovered recently, with the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill addressing agronomic challenges.
Richard Thomson
SNP
Cardiff South and Penarth
Question
Welcomed the advance sight of the statement, highlighting the significance of the agrifood industry in Scotland. Raised concerns over labour shortages, food waste due to unpicked produce, high costs of living, energy price hikes, fertiliser prices, farm income levels, and border issues following Brexit. Emphasised the need for action to support producers during cost-of-living crises.
Minister reply
Acknowledged rising input costs linked to gas prices and highlighted strong commodity prices in sectors such as lamb and wheat. Mentioned the seasonal agricultural workers scheme with 40,000 visas allocated.
Bill Wiggin
Con
North Herefordshire
Question
Called for public procurement to support local food production, advocating for a commitment to sourcing 100% British food rather than the stated goal of 50%.
Minister reply
Explained that existing commitments are mandatory for Government Departments and the Crown Commercial Service, and this aims to extend such requirements to hospitals and schools.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Question
Noted an increase in seasonal workers from 30,000 to 40,000 but questioned the effectiveness given last year's failure to meet even the lower target. Raised concerns over reliance on foreign labour for cucumbers and tomatoes.
Minister reply
Reported current progress towards 30,000 workers, adding that another 10,000 visas are planned later in the year. Noted recent dependence on Ukrainian workers due to conflict.
Roger Gale
Con
Herne Bay and Sandwich
Question
Sought a moratorium on house building on grades 1 and 2 agricultural land to preserve farmland for food production in Thanet Earth, the largest greenhouse complex in Europe.
Minister reply
Agreed with the importance of preserving agricultural land but suggested that the issue could be discussed further with other Departments.
Kate Green
Lab
Wirral West
Question
Inquired about discussions with social distributors and food banks regarding interruptions in supply chains for white-labelled foods.
Minister reply
Offered to investigate any specific difficulties mentioned by the MP's constituency-based organisations.
John Hayes
Con
South Holland and The Deepings
Question
Asked for clarity on whether the strategy’s goal of increasing public sector food procurement from UK producers is an obligation or merely an aspiration.
Minister reply
Explained that clear directions can be given to core Government Departments through agreements with organisations like the Crown Commercial Service, while working collaboratively with schools and hospitals.
John McDonnell
Lab
Hayes and Harlington
Question
Pointed out food insecurity among workers in the food production sector and sought emergency measures to boost pay levels.
Minister reply
Noted increases in the national living wage and minimum wage for seasonal workers, alongside significant wage increases in tight labour markets.
Fay Jones
Con
Richmond Park
Question
Welcomed support for sustainable farming and invited a reiteration of support for the UK red meat sector.
Minister reply
Emphasised the role of livestock production, particularly in pasture-based systems, for biodiversity recovery.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Question
With food and energy prices rising, many parents are concerned about providing for their children. Despite Henry Dimbleby's recommendations to extend free school meals to more families on universal credit, the Government has declined these suggestions. Will the Secretary of State reconsider this decision?
Minister reply
The primary concern currently is the significant rise in energy costs, and recent measures by the Chancellor aim to address this financial strain on households. The Department for Work and Pensions has already made changes to eligibility criteria for free school meals.
Question
The Secretary of State is congratulated for his statement regarding food security and environmental protection. Can he ensure that biodiversity strategies remain at the heart of Government policy, rather than focusing solely on rewilding?
Minister reply
Sustainable environmental protection and profitable food production are not mutually exclusive; they can coexist if policies are correctly implemented.
Neil Coyle
Lab
Bermondsey and Old Southwark
Question
Despite 5,000 households in Southwark using food banks last year, the Government's strategy to tackle food-related inequalities is considered insufficient. When will priority areas be identified for additional support?
Minister reply
DEFRA works with local authorities and food charities in priority areas, including the holiday activities and food programme, FareShare, and the household support fund.
Neil Hudson
Con
Epping Forest
Question
With the challenges faced by farmers due to rising costs of fuel, feed, fertiliser, and supply uncertainties from the closure of one UK plant, can the Government assure them that they will receive necessary support?
Minister reply
The situation regarding fertiliser supplies is being closely monitored. The current assessment indicates that production at Billingham plant remains unaffected and imports continue successfully.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
Question
With constituents struggling to afford basic necessities, the Secretary of State should acknowledge the impact of leaving the European Union on food prices. How can the Government reduce red tape and support British farmers in exports?
Minister reply
EU-produced food can still enter tariff-free, and no export health certificates are required. The main drivers of food price increases include oil prices and exchange rates.
Question
While commending the Government's approach on farming and domestic production, there is disappointment regarding salt and sugar reduction strategies. Will these issues be addressed to prevent future health problems?
Minister reply
The soft drinks levy was successful, but reformulating other products like chocolate and cakes is harder due to different ingredients. New point-of-sale restrictions are being implemented to drive reformulation.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Question
Eighteen years ago, Hull City Council pioneered free healthy school meals to fight poverty and improve classroom performance. Will the Secretary of State reconsider this recommendation?
Minister reply
Loading too many things onto universal credit could undermine its principles. However, we recognise the value of free school meals and have made some changes permanent.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Question
Welcoming the extra 10,000 seasonal agricultural workers announced, why did the Government not accept requests for up to 90,000 visas given strong labour market conditions?
Minister reply
Based on evidence from operators running the scheme and current estimates of 60,000-70,000 people doing seasonal work, around 40,000 is deemed sufficient for this year.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Question
As has been referenced already, last week, CF Fertilisers in my constituency announced that it would begin consultation on closing the plant, which puts 300 jobs at risk. Ministers have had nine months’ notice of a problem with this site but I feel they have done nothing to help it survive. What is being done to look at potential purchasers of the site or keep production going there?
Minister reply
We are monitoring the situation, although commercially sensitive issues make some actions difficult. The company is investigating potential sales and alternative operators, and I am willing to meet the MP to discuss these issues further.
Question
I thank the Secretary of State for recently meeting the glasshouse growers in South Ribble. My farmers rely heavily on seasonal agricultural workers visa scheme, will he continue using flexibility within this scheme to ensure 10,000 workers are available? Will he keep an eye on the situation and adjust accordingly?
Minister reply
We are keeping a close eye on the requirement for seasonal agricultural workers and currently judge that 40,000 is sufficient for this year.
Helen Morgan
Lib Dem
North Shropshire
Question
Local farmers are keen to produce food sustainably but face issues due to the phasing out of BPS before ELMS is ready, and up-front costs preventing involvement in SFI. How will the Secretary of State look at this problem?
Minister reply
We have committed to keeping agricultural budget stable for this Parliament; a modest 15% reduction to BPS this year is balanced by access through SFI which does not require up-front costs and pays farmers quarterly.
Caroline Johnson
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
Question
Farmers in Lincolnshire are concerned the Government might prioritise biodiversity over food production. How do we ensure food security and productivity, especially with regard to the £270 million farming innovation fund?
Minister reply
The farming investment fund money is already available; we opened a round for equipment on farms earlier this year which was over-subscribed and trebled its budget to £48 million. There will be further rounds this year or two.
Kim Johnson
Lab
Liverpool Riverside
Question
This White Paper does not address food price increases nor the recommendation to extend free school meals to over 1 million children on universal credit. How does the Secretary of State plan to address these issues?
Minister reply
The Chancellor has unveiled measures to help those on lowest incomes deal with energy costs, and we have programmes such as Healthy Start and the holiday activities and food programme.
Question
Given the independent review's recommendations, how does my right hon. Friend agree that these policies should be enshrined in law through a good food Bill?
Minister reply
We do not need new legislative powers to implement all outlined strategies; however, agencies such as OEP and FSA will perform their statutory functions holding Government accountable.
Question
The strategy lacks food security for infants. With the rise in costs of infant formula, how does the Secretary of State plan to address these issues? Will he implement a code of marketing of breastmilk substitutes?
Minister reply
During pandemic we looked at possible problems with availability of infant formula milk; importation primarily from France and Ireland but work is being done to encourage dairy processors in UK.
Question
Under the strategy, will public money for public good under environmental land management schemes focus on food production? Will he push for a national food security target? Lastly, what about fuel price impact on fishermen in Brixham?
Minister reply
We already have obligation to produce review of food security every three years under Agriculture Act 2020. Happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss fishermen’s issues.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Our farmland in Strangford is highly productive but there are concerns over rewilding initiatives potentially impacting good arable land use. What safeguards ensure that such land remains planted for productivity?
Minister reply
Agriculture policy is devolved, however the Northern Ireland Administration's Edwin Poots is aware of these issues and would appropriately manage planting.
Shadow Comment
Jim McMahon
Shadow Comment
I thank the Secretary of State for advance sight of his statement. It is disappointing that he has failed to meet his own deadline for a food strategy White Paper and instead delivered vague intentions with no concrete proposals. The review by Henry Dimbleby covered almost 300 pages, yet this response barely covers 10%. There are major issues facing the country: millions of people in food poverty, food bank usage rising, obesity rates high among adults and children, trade losses with the EU, labour shortages leading to culled pigs, and unsold produce due to unharvested crops. The strategy should have addressed these pressing needs for food security and support for farmers, investment in new enterprises, promoting British products, sourcing better quality food for public institutions, tackling obesity, and dealing with supply and cost inflation crises. However, the statement lacks actionable plans and fails to address issues like fertiliser and carbon dioxide availability affecting staple prices, highlighting a lack of ideas from the Government.
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