Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Food Sector: Profits

Thursday 1 February 2024 · 3 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

  • Powers in the Agriculture Act 2020 allow for statutory codes of practice to improve market transparency and fairness in the food sector.
  • The Minister stated that food prices in the UK are lower than in the European Union.
  • The Minister acknowledged concerns raised by the National Farmers Union Cymru about Welsh Government sustainable farming schemes.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Barry Sheerman Lab
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The question arises from concerns over unfair practices in the food supply chain affecting farmers' profitability.

Question

Whether his Department is taking steps to help ensure profits in the food sector are fairly distributed. Powers in the Agriculture Act 2020 allow for statutory codes of practice to improve market transparency and fairness. Are these being used?

Answer from Mark Spencer

Powers in the Agriculture Act 2020 allow us to introduce statutory codes of practice to improve market transparency and ensure fairness in the supply chain. We will use these powers whenever we find clear evidence of unfair practices, so that all farmers get a fair price for their products.

Answered
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Q2 Barry Sheerman Lab
Brexit Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Post-Brexit food price hikes are affecting constituents' ability to afford staple foods, raising concerns over farmer profitability.

Question

When will the Minister wake up to the fact that, since Brexit, food prices have rocketed? My constituents cannot afford to buy staple foods. Is it not true that farmers are struggling and getting almost nothing for their milk, potatoes, and other staples?

Answer from Mark Spencer

I can tell the hon. Gentleman where the higher prices are: they are in France and Germany. If we look at the value of a basket of goods, we see that in the UK they are lower than they are in the European Union. Our retailers, our farmers and our processors are working together to ensure fairness for both consumers and producers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner's specific point about farmer profitability not being addressed with concrete details.

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Q3 Virginia Crosbie
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The Welsh Government's sustainable farming scheme could have damaging consequences, including the potential loss of 5,500 jobs.

Question

Ynys Môn farmers and the farming community are important to food production. Does the Minister agree with Aled Jones, president of National Farmers Union Cymru, that Welsh Government sustainable farming schemes will have 'damaging consequences', including the potential loss of 5,500 jobs in the sector?

Answer from Mark Spencer

I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for how she campaigns on behalf of her constituents. I know that Welsh farmers are very concerned about the Welsh Government's approach to Welsh agriculture. Here in England, we support farmers producing quality food and protecting the environment.

Not addressed: The specific concern regarding job losses and damaging consequences from Welsh farming schemes was not addressed directly.

How: Changing Subject

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