House of Commons · Westminster Hall
15 June 2022 · 2 other contributors · 2,448 words
Opened by Roger Gale Con Herne Bay and Sandwich
Responding minister: Victoria Prentis
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Roger Gale raised concerns about sustainable food supply and cultured meat in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
I ask the Minister to commit to investing in research and development for cultivated meat, which can help reduce carbon emissions and animal use without threatening livestock farming jobs. I also propose a designated champion within the government to drive this initiative forward.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
I am concerned about the significant CO2 emissions caused by animal agriculture, which account for more than all global transportation emissions. I also worry that UK research in cultivated meat is underfunded compared to other nations like Singapore, the US, China, Canada and Israel. Additionally, I stress the importance of not sacrificing prime agricultural land for development.
He urged for a proper public sector food procurement strategy that supports British-produced food, including both cultivated meat and traditional agricultural products. He highlighted the opportunity since leaving the EU to advance this strategy. He highlighted that different protein sources have varying qualities, emphasizing the relevance of cultivated meat which aligns closely with human amino acid requirements.
He congratulated Sir Roger Gale on securing the debate and praised a constituent involved with Dexter cattle for his initiative in promoting better agricultural products. He also mentioned the Nature Friendly Farming Network as an example of positive change.
Government Response
Victoria PrentisIt is a great pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Dame Maria. I congratulate my right hon. Friend the Member for North Thanet on securing a debate on such an interesting issue. In the Government's food strategy, which we published on Monday, we acknowledged the opportunities for growth in the alternative protein sector. The strategy identifies new opportunities to make the food system healthier, more sustainable, more resilient and more accessible to everybody throughout England. On investment, the UK has been at the forefront of innovative protein development, with over £130 million invested through our partnership with UK Research and Innovation. We will continue to work on joint priority areas for funding, including alternative proteins. The Food Standards Agency is reviewing the novel foods regulatory framework, and dedicated guidance materials are being developed for new protein products. A group is forming to take forward the regulatory basis for alternative protein development. While there are challenges around scaling up technologies and consumer acceptance, Government officials will continue working together on this matter. Not starting from a conclusion towards new forms of alternative proteins is encouraged. The strategy sets out exciting policy ideas, including national production goals and a land use strategy addressing where we build, grow, and let nature thrive without growing. It commits to supporting farmers for national food security and includes public procurement goals such as sourcing 50% locally. Sustainable farming practices are also emphasised.