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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will review (a) the eligibility of virtual fencing technology under existing agricultural support schemes in England, such as Farming in Protected Landscapes and (b) its potential merits in promoting environmental improvements, biodiversity gains, and animal welfare benefits.

Defra has funded virtual fencing technology projects through the Farming in Protected Landscape Programme which are helping to deliver our environmental targets in Protected Landscapes.

Defra does not currently offer funding for virtual fencing technology under other schemes. We will keep the matter under review when considering future grants offers.