Fertiliser Costs 2022-04-28
2022-04-28
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Farmers face significant challenges due to increasing fertiliser prices, affecting their ability to maintain food production and security. Andy Matthews from Aberbrân noted that fertiliser prices have risen sharply.
What steps he is taking to support farmers with rising fertiliser costs?
We are delaying the changes of use to urea fertiliser by a year, revising statutory guidance on farming rules for water, providing slurry storage grants. We have an organic fertiliser task and finish group, a fertiliser taskforce and investment in R&D through programmes like £38 million farming innovation programme.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify exact measures to directly address rising costs
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about long-term food security due to rising fertiliser costs affecting farmers' ability to plant for the next season. Andy Matthews noted a fourfold increase in fertiliser prices.
I am extremely worried about the impact that rising fertiliser costs will have on our food production and food security in this country. Andy Matthews, who farms in Aberbrân, tells me that fertiliser was once £270 a tonne and is now £900 a tonne, which is a real risk for our food production capabilities. Innovation will be one of the ways out of that, so can the Minister update the House on the work that she is doing to ensure our long-term food security?
Investing £38 million through the farming innovation programme, launched an £8 million competition for large R&D partnerships. Visited institutes like James Hutton and Roslin to support innovative solutions.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address food security risks or long-term measures
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Farmers in Helen Morgan's constituency are concerned about rising fertiliser and fuel costs affecting their ability to plant for next season. They request support through reversing cuts to the basic payment scheme.
I have been contacted by several farmers in my constituency explaining that, because fertiliser and fuel costs are rocketing, they may not be able to afford to plant for next season. Does the Minister agree that now is the time to reverse the cut to the basic payment scheme to help our farmers survive the crisis?
Supporting all farmers through fertiliser taskforce and Government work, but sees reversing basic payment as too blunt a measure.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to reversing the cut to the basic payment scheme
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Historically, farmers collected seaweed before commercial fertilisers became widely available. Now the Sussex kelp restoration project is underway.
Given that we have the Sussex kelp restoration project and seaweed has a major environmentally friendly use in feeding livestock and fertilising agricultural lands, will he look again at how we can promote it as a good, environmentally friendly alternative to commercial fertilisers?
Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has seen the work. Universities like Aberystwyth are working on using seaweed for feed additives.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to promoting seaweed specifically as an alternative
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Soil degradation is a significant challenge to the planet, as noted by Cambridge University. Proper treatment of soil is essential for sustainability.
Does the Minister agree, though, that we must be careful about what we put on our soil in terms of weed killers and nutrients? According to Cambridge University, soil degradation is one of the biggest challenges to our planet. We have been mistreating our soil for many years. Can we be careful about what we do with it?
Soil degradation is a key issue, addressed through sustainable farming incentive and breeding plants that use fewer pesticides and resources.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific measures for cautious use of soil
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
UK food system relies on two factories for CO2, one of which has been shut and the other operating at low levels. Government intervention was delayed previously.
Cost is incredibly important but so is availability. The UK food system is dependent on two factories for CO2, one of which has been shut for months and the other has been operating at relatively low levels. Before Christmas, the Government were slow to intervene and coy about the terms of the agreement. Can the Minister tell the House today what that agreement was, how much it cost and what the plan is to ensure that the UK food system is secure in future?
Keeping a close eye on this complex area involving CO2. Farmers should have confidence, put forward orders for sustainable demand to improve supply chain.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide details of the agreement or future plans
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
Food security has become more critical due to the situation in Ukraine. Farmers face increasing costs of fertiliser, animal feed and fuel.
Sadly, food security has come into sharp relief again with the dreadful situation in Ukraine. Our fantastic farmers in Cumbria and across the UK continue to produce high-quality food in these difficult times but, as we have heard, there are increasing pressures from fertiliser costs, animal feed costs and fuel costs. Can my hon. Friend assure me that there will be cross-Government work to support our farmers to mitigate these pressures so that they can continue to produce the highest quality food?
Maintaining dialogue across Government, supporting through sustainable farming incentive and minimising inputs costs. Technology and innovation are key.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide concrete cross-Government work details
Response accuracy