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

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effects of this summer's drought on the supply of potatoes grown in the UK; and what plans they have to ensure the adequate supply of potatoes over winter.

It is too early to assess the full impact of this summer's drought on potato production. While some growers have experienced challenging conditions, there is currently no indication that supplies of potatoes over winter are at risk.

Our diverse and resilient food system, supported by both domestic production and international trade, has historically responded well to withstand localised production shocks. Defra continues to monitor domestic and international supply closely, including through the UK Agriculture Market Monitoring Group, to identify any potential risks to food supply chains.