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.

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.