Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of (a) increased public procurement of plant-rich foods, (b) expanded domestic horticulture production and (c) increased production of plant proteins for human consumption to the Government’s Food Strategy objectives on food security, public health, affordability and environmental sustainability.

The Government is keen for public sector canteens and restaurants to offer a choice of nutritious and sustainable meal options, including plant-rich meals. However, specific menu decisions are best left to local canteen managers.

The Government is working with industry, on a Horticulture Sector Growth Plan aiming to grow the sector’s profit. This is a sector-led plan using sector expertise to set out a clear vision for growth of the sector and a practical pathway to deliver it.

Defra is also carrying out research to understand the growth potential of alternative protein technologies, including plant-based protein products.