Asked by: Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask Her Majesty's Government how the current hare population in the UK compares with the population of hares (1) 5, (2) 10, and (3) 25 years ago.
Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble
The UK has brown hare and mountain hare populations. The 2018 Mammal Society report A Review of the Population and Conservation Status of British Mammals includes estimates for the populations of both. It concluded that the brown hare population in Great Britain is stable, with an estimated population of around 579,000 animals, although acknowledged the population could be between 427,000–1,990,000 animals.
The first National Brown Hare Survey estimated the hare population at around 817,000 in 1991-1993 and a second survey in 1997-1999 estimated the population to be around 750,000. These estimates are within the range of the 2018 estimate but given the different methodologies used it is not possible to make a direct comparison.
In the same Mammal Society review, the mountain hare population in Great Britain was estimated to be around 135,000 animals, although the study acknowledges that the population could be between 81,000–526,000 animals.
Population estimates published in 1995 concluded that there were around 360,000 mountain hares in GB. This is within the range of the 2018 estimate.
Asked by: Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the health of the hare population in the UK.
Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble
The UK has brown hare and mountain hare populations. The 2018 Mammal Society report A Review of the Population and Conservation Status of British Mammals includes estimates for the populations of both. It concluded that the brown hare population in Great Britain is stable, with an estimated population of around 579,000 animals, although acknowledged the population could be between 427,000–1,990,000 animals.
The first National Brown Hare Survey estimated the hare population at around 817,000 in 1991-1993 and a second survey in 1997-1999 estimated the population to be around 750,000. These estimates are within the range of the 2018 estimate but given the different methodologies used it is not possible to make a direct comparison.
In the same Mammal Society review, the mountain hare population in Great Britain was estimated to be around 135,000 animals, although the study acknowledges that the population could be between 81,000–526,000 animals.
Population estimates published in 1995 concluded that there were around 360,000 mountain hares in GB. This is within the range of the 2018 estimate.
Asked by: Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are considering a change to the protection afforded to Local Wildlife Sites; if so, why; and what assessment they have made of the effect of reduced protection for such sites.
Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble
The Government is committed to protecting Local Wildlife Sites and is not considering a change in the protection afforded to them. In our 25 Year Environment Plan we have committed to improving and extending our network of wildlife rich habitats, and Local Wildlife Sites are an important part of our existing habitat resource. We want to make sure that Local Wildlife Sites continue to be appropriately protected. The Housing Minister recently met the Wildlife Trusts and wrote to all MPs and Peers to make clear his commitment to ensuring clarity concerning these protections in the National Planning Policy Framework.
Asked by: Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the EU on pet passports in the context of Brexit; and, following those discussions, what advice they will provide to pet owners who regularly travel between the UK and the EU with their pets.
Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble
Whilst we remain a member of the EU, we continue to be signed up to the requirements of the Pet Travel Scheme. At present, the Government is negotiating our departure from the EU and Defra is working with the Department for Exiting the European Union to look at future arrangements, including those for the Pet Travel Scheme.
The rules governing pet travel will continue to apply throughout any implementation period. In the meantime, the Government remains committed to keeping pet owners informed of any changes that could affect travelling between the UK and EU with their pets, and will do so in a prompt and timely manner.
Asked by: Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the most recent figures for the UK's food self sufficiency; and what assessment they have made of whether increases in overall food production are an export opportunity or an opportunity for the UK to become more self-sufficient.
Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble
The UK's current production to supply ratio is 76% for indigenous-type foods and 60% for all foods. This has been stable for two decades and is not low in the context of the last 150 years; in the inter-war period, the rate was as low as 30-40%.
Self-sufficiency is not in itself an indicator of food security. The UK has historically been a net importer of food and it sources from a diverse range of stable countries. This approach will continue once we leave the EU. Achieving increased self-sufficiency in indigenous products would not insulate us from certain types of shocks. For example, severe weather and disease can have an impact on harvests and yields.
We have recently launched a new consultation, ‘Health and Harmony: The Future for Food, Farming and the Environment in a Green Brexit’ which sets out the proposed policy framework for agriculture after the UK leaves the EU. The Government is committed to boosting the productivity of UK agriculture through a strong focus on science, research and innovation, and by developing targeted transitional policies that reflect our farmers’ needs and allow them to grow more, sell more and export more of our fantastic British food.
Asked by: Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that environmental defenders, including park rangers, are being killed in record numbers globally.
Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble
The UK government is committed to supporting those working hard to tackle the illegal wildlife trade. Tragically, over 100 rangers have died in the line of duty in the last 12 months, many at the hands of poachers. Through the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, Defra has funded three projects supporting park rangers and other environmental defenders. In addition Defra has funded the British Military to provide tracker training for African park rangers, helping to ensure their safety when detecting and disrupting the illegal wildlife trade.
Asked by: Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what they have identified as the main barriers to young entrants hoping to become farmers.
Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble
Having a skilled workforce in place, attracting new talent and ensuring there are opportunities to enter and progress through the farming sector is vital for the future of UK food and farming. The Government recognises there are barriers facing young new entrants to get started in farming including the high cost of land and access to finance.
The Government is exploring the range of different farm business models that can open up opportunities for new entrants such as agricultural tenancies, share-farming, contract farming, franchise farming and joint ventures. These business models can provide young new farmers with an opportunity to gain experience and build up capital to progress their careers in farming.
The Government is currently providing additional support for young new entrants into farming through the EU Basic Payment Scheme where eligible farmers aged between 18 and 40 can claim a 25% uplift on up to 90 hectares of their Basic Payment Scheme payments for up to five years after they have started in business.
Support is also provided through EU Rural Development Programme schemes including the Growth Programme and LEADER providing help for rural entrepreneurs including farmers setting up a new business or expanding or improving an existing business. In addition the Countryside Productivity scheme provides support to help increase productivity and enhance the competitiveness of farming and forestry industries. Defra also provides grant support to the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs to provide training opportunities for young farmers and we are working with the Food and Drink Federation to treble the number of apprenticeships across the sector.
Whilst the UK is a member of the EU these funding streams will remain in place and Defra continues to engage with young farmers to help shape our future plans for UK agricultural policy outside of the EU.
Asked by: Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking to support young farmers to stay in farming and to encourage new entrants to become farmers.
Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble
Having a skilled workforce in place, attracting new talent and ensuring there are opportunities to enter and progress through the farming sector is vital for the future of UK food and farming. The Government recognises there are barriers facing young new entrants to get started in farming including the high cost of land and access to finance.
The Government is exploring the range of different farm business models that can open up opportunities for new entrants such as agricultural tenancies, share-farming, contract farming, franchise farming and joint ventures. These business models can provide young new farmers with an opportunity to gain experience and build up capital to progress their careers in farming.
The Government is currently providing additional support for young new entrants into farming through the EU Basic Payment Scheme where eligible farmers aged between 18 and 40 can claim a 25% uplift on up to 90 hectares of their Basic Payment Scheme payments for up to five years after they have started in business.
Support is also provided through EU Rural Development Programme schemes including the Growth Programme and LEADER providing help for rural entrepreneurs including farmers setting up a new business or expanding or improving an existing business. In addition the Countryside Productivity scheme provides support to help increase productivity and enhance the competitiveness of farming and forestry industries. Defra also provides grant support to the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs to provide training opportunities for young farmers and we are working with the Food and Drink Federation to treble the number of apprenticeships across the sector.
Whilst the UK is a member of the EU these funding streams will remain in place and Defra continues to engage with young farmers to help shape our future plans for UK agricultural policy outside of the EU.
Asked by: Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will develop guidance on the use of the term "grass-fed" for livestock so that consumers can make more informed decisions when buying meat and dairy products.
Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble
There is no legal definition of “grass-fed“ in relation to livestock rearing practice, although there is a general obligation in food labelling and consumer law that food labelling should not mislead the consumer and this obligation remains in place. Previous voluntary labelling guidance defined grass-fed as “fed primarily on grass in the field”.
Defra is currently working on a range of proposals to inform discussions about the shape of a future agriculture policy and we want to ensure that the future regulatory framework continues to provide consumers with confidence in the food that they are buying, and continues to secure our world-leading reputation for high quality and standards.
Asked by: Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have made a comparative assessment of the animal welfare, environmental and human health benefits of pasture-fed livestock, against livestock raised on a primarily grain-based diet.
Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble
The Department has not made a direct comparative assessment of the animal welfare, environmental and human health benefits of grass-fed against grain-fed diets, although we are aware of various research reports and industry initiatives which support the view that grass feeding can have benefits for animal welfare and the environment, and play a part in determining meat quality.