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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans the Government has to expand growing vegetables and fruit in the UK to reduce food miles on imports.

The Government recognises the crucial role our horticulture industry plays in feeding the country. We are fortunate in the UK to have the climate, landscape, and entrepreneurial farmers and growers to enable us to produce world-class fruit and vegetables. We will always champion our farmers and growers, supporting them to provide a sustainable supply of healthy, home grown food produced to high environmental standards.

The Rural Development Programme for England Countryside Productivity Small Grant (CPSG) scheme provides grant support which helps farmers buy the equipment they need to boost productivity and increase yields. Round 2 of CPSG, was launched in 2019 and included equipment such as direct drill, chlorophyll meters and fruit ripeness spectrometers to help support the productivity of the horticultural sector. A third round of CPSG is being planned for launch in autumn 2020.

The Agriculture Bill will provide powers to give financial support to anyone starting, or improving the productivity of, an agricultural, horticultural or forestry activity. Defra will continue working with the horticulture industry to consider the best way to support them, to allow them to grow and sell more fresh produce.