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 rural food and drink producers.

Stimulating economic growth in rural areas is a key priority for Defra and I recognise the importance of the food and drink sector to the rural economy.

The Rural Development Programme is now and will continue to support food and drink producers in rural areas to deliver growth and create jobs.

In addition, we are helping local food businesses gain recognition for protected food names. Over 60 British foods are now recognised in this way, including Herefordshire Cider and Perry.