UK Food Security 2024-03-14
2024-03-14
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the recent challenges facing UK agriculture, including low grain prices and weather-related issues affecting crop planting.
What recent assessment has been made of UK food security? With grain prices on the floor, a third of the wheat crop either not being drilled or flooded out, and rape increasingly difficult to establish, does the Minister share my concerns about a potential crisis?
Food security is a top priority. The Government aims to grow 60% of our food domestically and will introduce an annual food security index. The Department reviews the balance between food production and environmental protection, especially regarding weather challenges affecting cereal crop planting.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details on recent assessment and impact of current agricultural conditions on food security were not provided.
Under Review
Constantly Reviewing
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raises concerns about the UK's agricultural policies potentially leading to perverse incentives, especially regarding land management and environmental stewardship.
Does the Minister share my concerns that a perfect storm may be brewing in agriculture? With grain prices on the floor, a third of the wheat crop either not being drilled or flooded out, and rape increasingly difficult to establish, some long-term, multi-annual stewardship options are becoming more attractive. Does he share these concerns?
We review the balance between food production and environmental protection, including whether long-term stewardship options might lead to perverse incentives. Given weather challenges this season, we are assessing whether current policies support both farming needs and environmental goals.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details on reviewing multi-annual stewardship options were not provided.
Constantly Reviewing
Continuing To Review
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of policies taking good agricultural land out of production on UK food security.
Can the Minister explain how his Department's policy of taking good agricultural land out of food production is compatible with improving UK food security? I draw the House's attention to my entry in the Register of Members' Financial Interests.
The sustainable farming incentive encourages soil quality improvement and pollinator protection, which are beneficial for both the environment and crop production. The aim is to encourage farmers to look after the environment so they can continue producing high-quality food on productive land.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details on how policies align with food security were not provided.
Two Sides Of The Same Coin
Response accuracy