Written questions by Morello.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make it his policy to prevent supermarkets from cancelling orders from vertical farms at short notice.

The Government is committed to tackling unfairness in the supply chain wherever it exists, which includes practices such as cancelling orders at short notice. Using the 'Fair Dealings' powers in the Agriculture Act 2020 we can introduce regulations to increase transparency and protect growers, including those with vertical horticulture systems, from unfair commercial practices. We are already making progress on developing ‘Fair Dealing’ regulations for the fresh produce sector, which will cover growers that sell directly to retail. These regulations could require that contracts include clear rules on notice periods, fair termination clauses and processes for changing agreed terms.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of agricultural automation technologies on the future resilience of the fruit and horticulture sector.

The Government recognises that accelerating the application of automation in horticulture is key to delivering growth, sustainability and resilience. Increasing the application of automation in priority farming sectors such as horticulture is a key objective for Agri-Tech within the Government’s Industrial Strategy Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan. Automation would also have the potential to reduce (though not eliminate) reliance on seasonal migrant labour. As part of the Industrial Strategy, this Government has allocated at least £200 million to the Farming Innovation Programme until 2030, which will continue to enable agri-tech innovation and growth. This includes research and development into the applications of automation in the horticulture sector. Defra has reviewed the role of automation in horticulture. It found that a range of new innovations and technologies, including automation, could boost productivity and resilience, but barriers like cost and access to funding remain.

Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate he has made of the proportion of soil carbon stored within national landscapes.

Natural England estimates that 649,485,339 tonnes of carbon are stored below ground in National Landscapes. Source – Spatial Prioritisation of Below Ground Carbon Storage 2023 (England) | Natural England Open Data Geoportal.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to prevent supermarkets from being able to cancel orders from vertical farms at short notice.

The Government is committed to tackling unfairness in the supply chain wherever it exists, which includes practices such as cancelling orders at short notice. Using the 'Fair Dealings' powers in the Agriculture Act 2020 we can introduce regulations to increase transparency and protect growers, including those with vertical horticulture systems, from unfair commercial practices. We are already making progress on developing ‘Fair Dealing’ regulations for the fresh produce sector, which will cover growers that sell directly to retail. These regulations could require that contracts include clear rules on notice periods, fair termination clauses and processes for changing agreed terms.

Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on updating planning guidance to require on-site water reuse and sustainable drainage in new developments.

In June this year, the Government introduced new national standards for sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), making clear SuDS should be designed to cope with changing climatic conditions as well as delivering wider water infrastructure benefits. This includes flood prevention and storm overflow reduction, offering reuse opportunities, reducing run off, and helping to improve water quality, amenity, and biodiversity. The standards should be used by local authorities when assessing applications for development which could affect drainage on or around the site, see paragraphs 181 and 182 of the National Planning Policy Framework. The Government is working towards rainwater harvesting at development scale. This includes supporting Ofwat with environmental incentive payments to developers for including rainwater systems in homes, reviewing the role of rainwater harvesting within water efficiency standards in the Building Regulations 2010 and the regulations relating to the management of dual pipe reuse systems for rainwater to be used in toilet flushing.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make it his policy to promote property-level rainwater harvesting and sustainable drainage systems as part of the Government’s water infrastructure strategy.

In June this year, the Government introduced new national standards for sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), making clear SuDS should be designed to cope with changing climatic conditions as well as delivering wider water infrastructure benefits. This includes flood prevention and storm overflow reduction, offering reuse opportunities, reducing run off, and helping to improve water quality, amenity, and biodiversity. The standards should be used by local authorities when assessing applications for development which could affect drainage on or around the site, see paragraphs 181 and 182 of the National Planning Policy Framework. The Government is working towards rainwater harvesting at development scale. This includes supporting Ofwat with environmental incentive payments to developers for including rainwater systems in homes, reviewing the role of rainwater harvesting within water efficiency standards in the Building Regulations 2010 and the regulations relating to the management of dual pipe reuse systems for rainwater to be used in toilet flushing.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of a national rainwater management strategy.

We recognise that recycling rainwater plays a key role in balancing water supply and demand. Implementing rainwater management systems is a key part of existing Government strategy to review Building Regulations and water regulation, to meet the statutory Water Demand Target to reduce water usage by 20% by 2038.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to encourage the integration of rainwater harvesting systems in new housing developments.

In June this year, the Government introduced new national standards, making clear that sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) should be designed to cope with changing climatic conditions as well as delivering wider water infrastructure benefits in the form of flood prevention and storm overflow reduction, offering reuse opportunities, reducing run off, and helping to improve water quality, amenity, and biodiversity. The standards should be used by local authorities when assessing applications for development which could affect drainage on or around the site, see paragraphs 181 and 182 of the National Planning Policy Framework. This Government is committed to enabling homes to be water efficient as part of the statutory Water Demand Target. The target is underpinned by a commitment to lower water usage in homes, to achieve a usage of at least 122 litres per person per day by 2038, on a trajectory to 110 litres per person per day by 2050. Defra is working with MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) to explore whether Building Regulations could be further amended to tighten water efficiency standards and enable consumers to use less water and save on their water and energy bills.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of shifting from centralised stormwater solutions to decentralised approaches such as rainwater harvesting on carbon savings.

In June this year, the Government introduced new national standards, making clear that sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) should be designed to cope with changing climatic conditions as well as delivering wider water infrastructure benefits in the form of flood prevention and storm overflow reduction, offering reuse opportunities, reducing run off, and helping to improve water quality, amenity, and biodiversity. The standards should be used by local authorities when assessing applications for development which could affect drainage on or around the site, see paragraphs 181 and 182 of the National Planning Policy Framework. We will continue to work with water companies and developers to support them to deliver water efficiency through both rainwater harvesting and water recycling and learn from their experiences.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of providing incentives for developers to install (a) rainwater capture and (b) other decentralised water systems in new homes.

In June this year, the Government introduced new national standards, making clear that sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) should be designed to cope with changing climatic conditions as well as delivering wider water infrastructure benefits in the form of flood prevention and storm overflow reduction, offering reuse opportunities, reducing run off, and helping to improve water quality, amenity, and biodiversity. The standards should be used by local authorities when assessing applications for development which could affect drainage on or around the site, see paragraphs 181 and 182 of the National Planning Policy Framework. Across much of the UK, our drainage and sewerage network is set up as a combined system (rainwater and wastewater), typical of Victorian design. Climate change, urban creep and a growing population have exacerbated the pressures on the system. The National assessment of flood and coastal erosion risk in England published in December 2024 sets out the flood risk to treatment works and water pumping stations. The Environment Agency’s National Framework for Water Resources 2025 emphasises the importance of water catchments operating naturally, to be more resilient to challenges such as flooding, drought, and water scarcity. The Framework explains how we expect an integrated approach to be taken forward.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to publish a national strategy for rainwater management to promote (a) sustainable and (b) decentralised water use.

In June this year, the Government introduced new national standards, making clear that sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) should be designed to cope with changing climatic conditions as well as delivering wider water infrastructure benefits in the form of flood prevention and storm overflow reduction, offering reuse opportunities, reducing run off, and helping to improve water quality, amenity, and biodiversity. The standards should be used by local authorities when assessing applications for development which could affect drainage on or around the site, see paragraphs 181 and 182 of the National Planning Policy Framework. Across much of the UK, our drainage and sewerage network is set up as a combined system (rainwater and wastewater), typical of Victorian design. Climate change, urban creep and a growing population have exacerbated the pressures on the system. The National assessment of flood and coastal erosion risk in England published in December 2024 sets out the flood risk to treatment works and water pumping stations. The Environment Agency’s National Framework for Water Resources 2025 emphasises the importance of water catchments operating naturally, to be more resilient to challenges such as flooding, drought, and water scarcity. The Framework explains how we expect an integrated approach to be taken forward.

Food and Rural Affairs, what comparative assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of its policies on (a) decentralised rainwater management and (b) building (i) reservoirs and (ii) sewage plants on levels of flood risk.

In June this year, the Government introduced new national standards, making clear that sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) should be designed to cope with changing climatic conditions as well as delivering wider water infrastructure benefits in the form of flood prevention and storm overflow reduction, offering reuse opportunities, reducing run off, and helping to improve water quality, amenity, and biodiversity. The standards should be used by local authorities when assessing applications for development which could affect drainage on or around the site, see paragraphs 181 and 182 of the National Planning Policy Framework. Across much of the UK, our drainage and sewerage network is set up as a combined system (rainwater and wastewater), typical of Victorian design. Climate change, urban creep and a growing population have exacerbated the pressures on the system. The National assessment of flood and coastal erosion risk in England published in December 2024 sets out the flood risk to treatment works and water pumping stations. The Environment Agency’s National Framework for Water Resources 2025 emphasises the importance of water catchments operating naturally, to be more resilient to challenges such as flooding, drought, and water scarcity. The Framework explains how we expect an integrated approach to be taken forward.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential environmental and economic impact of a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty on the UK.

The Government is committed to reaching agreement on an ambitious and effective treaty to end plastic pollution when negotiations resume in August 2025 and will be working closely with countries both within the High Ambition Coalition and outside it to achieve this. Plastic pollution can negatively impact coastal areas, industries, and ecosystems. The UK is calling for global legally binding rules that will tackle the full life cycle of plastics and promote a circular economy, working to prevent and reduce plastic pollution. We have called for specific measures to address plastic pollution from fishing and aquaculture gear and plastic pellets, two forms of plastic pollution that particularly affect coastal communities and cause harm to coastal ecosystems. Whilst a full assessment of the impacts can only be made once negotiations are complete, global and regional analysis by the OECD suggests an ambitious and effective global plastic pollution treaty could benefit the UK, including coastal areas such as West Dorset, by creating a level playing field for UK businesses and driving a global systems change towards a more circular economy for plastics.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps the Rural Payments Agency is taking to improve the (a) usability and (b) reliability of its online systems.

The Rural Payments Agency is supporting Defra’s Digital Data Technology Services team, the Livestock Improvement Transformation Programme, and the Farming & Countryside Programme on a suite of work to upgrade, improve and replace IT systems. The Rural Payments Service currently supports tens of thousands of customers, handling their agreements and payments for land-based schemes. We continue to look for opportunities to improve in advance of any new IT replacing it. Recent examples include upgrade of the infrastructure underpinning the Rural Payments Service to improve system performance and the introduction of an online service for customers to amend their bank details.

Food and Rural Affairs, what diplomatic steps his Department is taking to support the inclusion of strong measures in the Global Plastics Treaty to reduce plastic pollution and protect marine ecosystems.

For too long, plastic has littered our ocean and threatened our wildlife. We urgently need an ambitious and effective international agreement to end plastic pollution by 2040. The United Kingdom has been a leading voice in the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee and as a founding member of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution (HAC), the UK is committed to achieving an ambitious treaty. Negotiations will resume in August with the aim of concluding negotiations on a new treaty. The UK is working with other countries, including allies in the HAC to achieve this.

Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with the Rural Payments Agency on upgrading its digital services to reduce errors and delays for users.

The Rural Payments Agency is supporting Defra’s Digital Data Technology Services team, the Livestock Improvement Transformation Programme, and the Farming & Countryside Programme on a suite of work to upgrade, improve and replace IT systems. The Rural Payments Service currently supports tens of thousands of customers, handling their agreements and payments for land-based schemes. We continue to look for opportunities to improve in advance of any new IT replacing it. Recent examples include upgrade of the infrastructure underpinning the Rural Payments Service to improve system performance and the introduction of an online service for customers to amend their bank details.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make it his policy to support a global plastics treaty that helps to protect (a) West Dorset constituency and (b) other coastal areas.

The Government is committed to reaching agreement on an ambitious and effective treaty to end plastic pollution when negotiations resume in August 2025 and will be working closely with countries both within the High Ambition Coalition and outside it to achieve this. Plastic pollution can negatively impact coastal areas, industries, and ecosystems. The UK is calling for global legally binding rules that will tackle the full life cycle of plastics and promote a circular economy, working to prevent and reduce plastic pollution. We have called for specific measures to address plastic pollution from fishing and aquaculture gear and plastic pellets, two forms of plastic pollution that particularly affect coastal communities and cause harm to coastal ecosystems. Whilst a full assessment of the impacts can only be made once negotiations are complete, global and regional analysis by the OECD suggests an ambitious and effective global plastic pollution treaty could benefit the UK, including coastal areas such as West Dorset, by creating a level playing field for UK businesses and driving a global systems change towards a more circular economy for plastics.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the Rural Payments Agency’s IT system.

The Rural Payments Agency is supporting Defra’s Digital Data Technology Services team, the Livestock Improvement Transformation Programme, and the Farming & Countryside Programme on a suite of work to upgrade, improve and replace IT systems. The Rural Payments Service currently supports tens of thousands of customers, handling their agreements and payments for land-based schemes. We continue to look for opportunities to improve in advance of any new IT replacing it. Recent examples include upgrade of the infrastructure underpinning the Rural Payments Service to improve system performance and the introduction of an online service for customers to amend their bank details.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make it his policy to update the IT systems of the Rural Payments Agency.

The Rural Payments Agency is supporting Defra’s Digital Data Technology Services team, the Livestock Improvement Transformation Programme, and the Farming & Countryside Programme on a suite of work to upgrade, improve and replace IT systems. The Rural Payments Service currently supports tens of thousands of customers, handling their agreements and payments for land-based schemes. We continue to look for opportunities to improve in advance of any new IT replacing it. Recent examples include upgrade of the infrastructure underpinning the Rural Payments Service to improve system performance and the introduction of an online service for customers to amend their bank details.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will have discussions with Cabinet colleagues on ensuring that the Global Plastics Treaty supports the protection of (a) coastal ecosystems and (b) the tourism economy in (ii) West Dorset constituency and (ii) other areas.

The Government is committed to reaching agreement on an ambitious and effective treaty to end plastic pollution when negotiations resume in August 2025 and will be working closely with countries both within the High Ambition Coalition and outside it to achieve this. Plastic pollution can negatively impact coastal areas, industries, and ecosystems. The UK is calling for global legally binding rules that will tackle the full life cycle of plastics and promote a circular economy, working to prevent and reduce plastic pollution. We have called for specific measures to address plastic pollution from fishing and aquaculture gear and plastic pellets, two forms of plastic pollution that particularly affect coastal communities and cause harm to coastal ecosystems. Whilst a full assessment of the impacts can only be made once negotiations are complete, global and regional analysis by the OECD suggests an ambitious and effective global plastic pollution treaty could benefit the UK, including coastal areas such as West Dorset, by creating a level playing field for UK businesses and driving a global systems change towards a more circular economy for plastics.