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

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to introduce a strategy for (1) the edible, and (2) the environmental, horticultural sectors in England.

Farming and food production are at the heart of the Government’s agenda and an important part of our mission-driven government approach.

In partnership with the sector, we are considering a number of ways to achieve our ambitious, measurable and long-term goals for the sector. This includes building on our long-standing R&D investment in crop breeding. In July 2024, Defra awarded a further £15 million over the next five years to fund five crop Genetic Improvement Networks. This includes £9 million for horticulture (soft fruit; vegetables; and pulse crops).