Baroness Fookes

The government committed in its manifesto to banning the import of hunting trophies.

We appreciate the vital work of the horticulture industry with its potential for growth and recognise that a long-term vision would recognise the specific needs and huge diversity of the sector.

As part of our mission-driven government, and in partnership with the sector, we are considering a number of ways to achieve our ambitious, measurable and long-term goals for the sector.

The Government will introduce the most ambitious programme for animal welfare in a generation and will bring forward plans in due course. The Government is considering available evidence around the use of electronic collars and their effects on the welfare of animals.

Farming and food production are at the heart of the Government’s agenda and an important part of our mission-driven government approach.

Building on our long-standing R&D investment in crop breeding, in July 2024, Defra awarded a further £15 million over the next five years to fund five crop Genetic Improvement Networks (GINs). This includes £9 million for horticulture (soft fruit; vegetables; and pulse crops).

The GINs will be delivered by consortia comprised of research institutes and universities; to deliver collaborative R&D to deliver breeding benefits for key UK crops.

For the first time, the GINs will incorporate research into underutilised and novel crops, helping to diversify the resources available to breeders and farmers. It will also harness the latest innovations in crop breeding, including the opportunities offered by the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act, to help farmers and breeders produce stronger, more sustainable and resilient crops for the future.