Asked by: Julian Sturdy (Conservative - York Outer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what progress his Department has made in protecting against biodiversity loss; and what steps he plans to take to encourage global partners to take steps to reverse biodiversity loss.
Answered by Trudy Harrison
Alongside our world-leading Environment act, which introduces ambitious measures to address the biggest environmental priorities of our age, the 25 Year Environment Plan set out clear goals for habitats and species in England. To help meet these ambitions, in the last year we have created a new Somerset Wetlands super National Nature Reserve that will protect 6,140 hectares of precious habitats, completed the Back from the Brink programme with 96 priority species moving towards recovery and launched 5 more landscape-scale nature recovery projects, including the G7 Nature Recovery Legacy Project in Cornwall.
The United Kingdom works across a number of geographies and partners to support global ambition. For instance, the United Kingdom is committed to playing a leading role in developing an ambitious post-2020 global biodiversity framework to be adopted at COP15 of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Montreal during December this year.
The United Kingdom will be advocating for ambitious global targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss globally by 2030. This includes targets to ensure at least 30% of the land and of the ocean is protected, ecosystems are restored, species population sizes are recovering, and extinctions are halted by 2050. The United Kingdom is calling for this ambitious set of targets to be supported by increased finance for nature from all sources (public and private) and at all levels (domestic and international), and for strengthened reporting and review mechanisms to facilitate the achievement of targets and hold Parties to account to their commitments.
Asked by: Julian Sturdy (Conservative - York Outer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will (a) reconsider the ban on the commercial import of dogs, cats and ferrets from Romania, and (b) enable imports from agencies that diligently adhere to regulations and public health responsibilities.
Answered by Scott Mann - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
HM Government has made the difficult decision to extend the temporary suspension of commercial cats, dogs, and ferrets (including rescue animals) dispatched or originating from Ukraine, Belarus, Romania, and Poland for a further eight weeks to the 29th October 2022.
We continue to engage with competent authorities in impacted countries, the European Commission, and external partners (including rescue and rehoming charities based here and abroad, veterinary experts and carriers) to gather data and information to enable us to keep the biosecurity risks to Great Britain under review. The measure is under constant review based on the evidence provided and discussion with external partners to ensure it is proportionate to the risks posed.
HM Government appreciates the work of rescue and rehoming organisations who work to ensure that unwanted and abandoned animals are given the opportunity to find a forever home whilst complying with our animal health and welfare legislation.
This is a temporary measure, to ensure that we protect our biosecurity at this challenging time. Given the consequences of getting this wrong, I hope you will understand why we are being cautious.
Asked by: Julian Sturdy (Conservative - York Outer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 21 June 2022 to Question 11668, for what reason his Department has not completed a review of the recommendations in the Health and Safety Executive’s review of pesticide regulations; and when his Department plans to complete that review.
Answered by Mark Spencer - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
This work is being prioritised and taken forward in the context of a much wider review of our approach to pesticide regulation. We plan to complete the work later this year.
Asked by: Julian Sturdy (Conservative - York Outer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of rising energy prices on food producers.
Answered by Mark Spencer - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The food supply chain is under pressure due to multiple and concurrent pressures including the Russian invasion of Ukraine and rising costs for producers (including energy and raw materials). Given sustained pressures, we anticipate food prices continuing to trend upwards in the short term.
UK food supply remains secure and supply chain resilience remains excellent. We are aware of potential impacts of rising energy costs to the food and drinks industry. Defra works closely with industry and other Government Departments to monitor, assess and respond where appropriate to mitigate these pressures. The Prime Minister has made clear that we will deal with energy bills and secure our future energy supply.
Asked by: Julian Sturdy (Conservative - York Outer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the demand for farm machinery operatives in the agricultural sector; and what recent discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on the recruitment of skilled agricultural workforce from overseas.
Answered by Mark Spencer - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Defra continues to speak regularly with the agricultural sector and other Government departments, including the Department for Education, to understand labour supply and demand, including both permanent and seasonal workforce requirements, and to ensure there is a long-term strategy for the agricultural workforce. Attracting bright new talent into agricultural and horticultural careers and having a skilled workforce in place is vital for the future of UK food and farming. By raising awareness of agriculture as an exciting and attractive career path, people will understand the opportunities available to them.
During 2021, Defra undertook a review of automation in horticulture, covering both the edible and ornamental sectors in England. We have now published this review (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defra-led-review-of-automation-in-horticulture) and there will be a Government response to its recommendations. Our responses to the review of automation in horticulture will work alongside the extended and expanded Seasonal Worker Visa Route and Defra’s efforts to attract more UK residents into agricultural work – to support the overall aim of reducing the sector’s dependency on seasonal migrant labour.
On 1 January 2021 free movement ended and was replaced with the UK’s Points Based System, under which EU and non-EU citizens are treated equally. The Skilled Worker route is open to all nationals who wish to come to the UK for the purpose of working in a skilled job they have been offered; with people awarded points for a job offer at an appropriate skill level, meeting the appropriate salary threshold and if they speak English to an appropriate level.
Asked by: Julian Sturdy (Conservative - York Outer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to incorporate farming apprenticeships into its policies on national food (a) security and (b) strategy.
Answered by Mark Spencer - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Defra continues to speak regularly with the agricultural sector and other Government departments, including the Department for Education, and industry bodies to understand labour supply and demand, including both permanent and seasonal workforce requirements, and to ensure there is a long-term strategy for the agricultural workforce.
As announced in the Government Food Strategy in June, the Government has now commissioned an independent review which will consider how automation, domestic labour and migrant labour can contribute to tackling labour shortages in the food supply chain. As part of domestic labour, we will consider recruitment, retention, skills and progression in the food sector. The review will focus on farming, processing, and food and drink manufacturing as sectors which are critical for food production and food security.
There are currently 40 high-quality apprenticeship standards available in the agriculture, environmental and animal care sector, including stockperson, crop technician and horticulture & landscape technical manager.
Asked by: Julian Sturdy (Conservative - York Outer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent steps his Department has taken to help tackle the impact of rising fertiliser prices on food production.
Answered by Mark Spencer - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Fertilisers make up around 9% of input costs into food production. Food prices are influenced by a range of factors - from currency fluctuations to commodity prices.
We are monitoring the situation closely, including through the UK Agriculture Market Monitoring Group. Defra is in regular contact with key industry figures including the National Farmers Union, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board and the Agricultural Industries Confederation. Defra is also working with these bodies on how fertiliser price transparency can be improved in order to aid farmers with their decision making.
Through the minister led Fertiliser Industry Taskforce, the Government and industry will work together to improve market confidence and help provide farmers with the information needed to make business decisions on fertiliser use.
To support farmers the 2022 Basic Payment Scheme payment will be made in 2 instalments to give farmers an advance injection of cash. Other actions taken include changes to guidance on farmers using manures, and increased grants for farmers and growers, boosting research and development.
Asked by: Julian Sturdy (Conservative - York Outer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to help ensure UK food security.
Answered by Mark Spencer - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Britain has a highly resilient and diverse food supply chain which is well equipped to deal with disruption, as demonstrated throughout the COVID-19 response. British consumers have access, through international trade, to food products that cannot be produced here, supplementing domestic production, and ensuring that challenges such as adverse weather and disease do not affect the British overall security of supply. The Government also engages extensively with industry to monitor and assess all supply risks.
Asked by: Julian Sturdy (Conservative - York Outer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when his Department plans to publish the National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides; and what assessment he has made of whether he will need to bring forward legislative proposals to allow uncertified voluntary conservation workers to return to using glyphosate solution under the direct supervision of properly certified professional staff.
Answered by Victoria Prentis - Attorney General
We will be publishing the National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides later this year, which will set out proposals to minimise the risks and impacts of pesticides to human health and the environment, while ensuring pests and pesticides resistance are managed effectively. This will include measures to support the increase in uptake of Integrated Pest Management across agriculture, amenity and amateur sectors.
The Health and Safety Executive have made recommendations on the issue of conservation volunteers using glyphosate under supervision and Defra will consider these as part of the broader review of pesticide regulations.
Asked by: Julian Sturdy (Conservative - York Outer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has finished reviewing the recommendations of the Health and Safety Executive review of pesticide regulations; and whether he has plans to allow for uncertified voluntary conservation workers to return to using glyphosate solution under direct supervision from properly certified professional staff.
Answered by Victoria Prentis - Attorney General
Defra has not yet finished reviewing the recommendations of the Health and Safety Executive’s review of pesticide regulations. Therefore, the department has no immediate plans to allow for uncertified voluntary conservation workers to return to using glyphosate solution.
Now that we have left the EU and are in control of our own laws, we are in a position to take forward reforms to our pesticides regulatory regime to ensure that it is tailored to the GB context. We are looking to ways in which we can ensure future regulation is fit for purpose – protecting the environment and the public along with effectively supporting productive and competitive agriculture and horticulture. This will be set out in the National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides to be published later this year.