Oral Answers to Questions

Christine Jardine Excerpts

Thursday 19th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Dame Angela Eagle]

I have to say that a study of history demonstrates that collectivising the food system does not usually work.

[Christine Jardine (Edinburgh West) (LD)]

9. Whether she plans to increase the level of funding available to agricultural industries.

[The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs (Dame Angela Eagle)]

Rising input costs, including for fertiliser, have contributed to pressure on many farm businesses in recent years. We continually assess how global cost volatility affects farm productivity and the resilience of the sector.

[Christine Jardine]

Edinburgh West may not seem like the most rural constituency, but we have several critical agricultural businesses in the seat, including the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston and a number of businesses that are diversifying into agritourism. There is funding available, but it is often unclear how to get it or how to align it for, say, the conversion of buildings. Can the Minister commit to making it clearer how agricultural businesses that want to diversify can access the funding?

[Dame Angela Eagle]

I would love to—if the hon. Lady’s constituency was in England. Agriculture is a devolved matter, and she must therefore ask the Scottish Government.