Every parliamentary written question tabled by Andrew Bowie this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 1–6 of 6 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions (a) he and (b) his Department had with the (i) Scotland Office and (ii) Department for Business and Trade on the application for an English Whisky geographical indication prior to the submission of that application.
The application to register English Whisky as a geographical indication was submitted in February 2022. There are no recorded discussions on the application held with other departments prior to that time.
Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of not extending the Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme in England and Wales.
The Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme is an EU legacy scheme, and in England, legislation is in place to close the scheme to English POs on 31 December 2025. The Government has committed to championing British farming, whilst protecting the environment, and is currently considering the best way to support our farming sectors in the future, including horticulture. We will make further announcements in due course.
Food and Rural Affairs, when an announcement will be made on the future of the Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme.
The Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme is an EU legacy scheme, and in England, legislation is in place to close the scheme to English POs on 31 December 2025. The Government has committed to championing British farming, whilst protecting the environment, and is currently considering the best way to support our farming sectors in the future, including horticulture. We will make further announcements in due course.
Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure clear labelling of (a) locally produced fruit and vegetables and (b) imported produce.
The UK maintains high standards on the information provided on food labels and packaging so that consumers can have confidence in the food that they buy. This applies equally to food that is domestically produced or imported. The fundamental principles of our food labelling rules are that information provided to the consumer must not mislead and must enable consumers to make informed decisions. Country of origin information is compulsory for most uncut fresh fruit and vegetables. In any case, where an indication of origin or provenance is given, either in words or pictures, this must be accurate. Buying food locally and supporting their local food economy is important to many consumers and where any label indicates that a food is produced locally, this must not be misleading to a consumer. Shops and supermarkets will often use in-store signs to help shoppers easily identify and buy great British produce and this too is subject to the food labelling rules.
Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the environmental impact of consumers shopping locally; and what assessment he has made of the potential impact on net zero targets if consumers are unable to shop locally.
The Secretary of State recognises the importance of consumers having access to local shops for environmental sustainability and for supporting net zero goals. The Secretary of State, Defra Ministers and officials meet regularly with retailers where discussions have included to understand initiatives to support efforts that enable consumers to shop locally.
Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to support farmers to increase the (a) volume and (b) variety of fruit and vegetables they produce.
The Government appreciates and values the vital work of the horticulture industry and recognises its role in maintaining a secure food supply. As part of our mission-driven government, and in partnership with the sector, we are considering how best to support our fruit and vegetable growers in the future to achieve our ambitious, measurable, and long-term goals for the sector. Innovation, such as the development of new crop varieties and growing systems, has added to the huge range of top quality and nutritious fruit and vegetables already grown in the UK, and has allowed our growers to extend the growing seasons of a variety of crops, for example strawberries. We also continue to support long-term Genetic Improvement Networks (GINs) to improve crop varieties by developing traits to improve their nutritional quality, and enhance productivity levels, sustainability and resilience.