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

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support hop growers in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hop growers can access a range of financial support options, such as the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, the Bounce Back Loan Scheme and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.

On September 24, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced updated terms to the financial support package, including extended loan application deadlines to November 30, longer loan repayment times and further extensions to the grant scheme for the self-employed.

The relaxation of restrictions over much of the country during the last few months has allowed the hospitality sector, including pubs, bars and restaurants, to partially re-open for business. This will have provided some relief to the sector and its supply chains. However, with the current increase in Covid-19 cases and the introduction of Local Alert Levels, certain parts of the hospitality sector will see further restrictions. The Chancellor announced a new package of financial support on 9 October which will benefit the hospitality sector and its supply chains.