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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to WPQ 21883 answered on 7 September 2026 about Fruit Horticulture, will she hold imminent discussions with the British Berry Growers Association to discuss [i] the challenges faced by the drought of Summer 2026 and [ii] the current challenges faced by growers in irrigating their crops.

Defra has frequent engagement with key horticulture stakeholders including berry growers on the range of matters impacting the horticulture sector. Additionally, through the National Drought Group, ministers engage specifically with the National Farmers' Union and Horticulture Trades Association to assess drought impacts and to coordinate action across all sectors, helping to inform planning, response and resilience measures. This engagement informed the Government’s package of support for farmers affected by drought, announced in August.