Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Agri-research

Thursday 23 June 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has one of the five largest science and innovation budgets in Government.
  • It is investing 270 million in innovation through the farming innovation programme to 19-2029.
  • The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill has been introduced to support gene-edited crops.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Green Con
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The question stems from the need for innovation in agriculture and the support of research institutions.

Question

What steps he is taking to support agri-research. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has one of the five largest science and innovation budgets in Government. It is investing £270 million in innovation through the farming innovation programme to 19-2029, working with our leading-edge agricultural research institutions across the UK's four nations to harness the power of innovation.

Answer from Jo Churchill

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has one of the five largest science and innovation budgets in Government. It is investing £270 million in innovation through the farming innovation programme to 19-2029, working with our leading-edge agricultural research institutions across the UK's four nations to harness the power of innovation.

Answered
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Q2 Chris Green Con
Science & Technology Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The advocate-general of the EU recommended gene editing, but the European Court of Justice opposed it. This could set back agbiotech in Europe by another 20 years according to Professor Nigel Halford.

Question

In the name of better productivity, healthier food and scientific progress, when does my hon. Friend expect to see gene-edited crops on the UK market? The EU has just opened a consultation on the issue, because my hon. Friend is totally right that precision-bred crops are very different. We have already taken steps, starting with the introduction of the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill.

Answer from Jo Churchill

We have already taken steps, starting with the introduction of the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill. The EU has just opened a consultation on the issue because my hon. Friend is totally right that precision-bred crops are very different from genetically modified organisms. Through its agricultural research institutes, the UK is at the leading edge in this area.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific timeline for gene-edited crops to be available on the UK market

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