Every parliamentary written question tabled by Sharon Hodgson this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 1–8 of 8 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Food and Rural Affairs, if she will introduce a Good Food Bill by the end of this Parliament.
The Good Food Cycle publication is the first part of the food strategy. It will require a long-term programme of work to transform the food system and support food strategy outcomes.
Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has held discussions with (a) retailers and (b) producers on the pricing of alcohol-free drinks.
Defra regularly engages with supermarkets and producers on a range of food supply matters. However, it is not for the Government to set retail food and drink prices nor to comment on day-to-day commercial decisions taken by businesses.
Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of for what reason alcohol-free drinks are priced (a) comparably to and (b) higher than alcoholic equivalents.
Defra regularly engages with supermarkets and producers on a range of food supply matters. However, it is not for the Government to set retail food and drink prices nor to comment on day-to-day commercial decisions taken by businesses.
Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions she has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on reducing food supply chain waste through mandatory food waste reporting.
The Secretary of State has regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a range of issues. No recent discussions have taken place between the Secretary of State and the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the subject of mandatory food waste reporting. This Government is committed to setting a clear roadmap to a circular economy – a future where our resources are used as efficiently and productively as possible for as long as possible, and waste is reduced. We are reviewing policies to address the challenges associated with tackling food waste in the supply chain and we are working with businesses to drive down food waste and make sure food is put on the plates of those in greatest need. This includes supporting surplus food redistribution to charities and programmes to help citizens reduce their food waste.
Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make it her policy to introduce mandatory food waste reporting urgently.
In our manifesto, the Government committed to reducing waste by moving to a circular economy. The Secretary of State has convened a Small Ministerial Group on Circular Economy and a Circular Economy Taskforce of experts across government, industry, academia, and civil society has been established to help develop a Circular Economy Strategy for England and a series of roadmaps detailing the interventions that the Government will make on a sector-by-sector basis. Preventing food waste will be a key part of this work and we will consider the evidence for action right across the economy to evaluate what interventions may be needed as we develop the strategy.
Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to develop a National Food Security Strategy.
Food Security is national security which is relevant to all five Government Missions and central to our primary Mission to grow the economy. Boosting Britain’s food security is one of the core priorities of this Government. We need a resilient and healthy food system, that works with nature and supports British Farmers. The only way to do this effectively is to listen to farmers and others with a stake in our food system, countryside, and nature. We will consider relevant evidence and analysis, including that contained in Henry Dimbleby’s National Food Strategy, as we develop our plans to support our farmers and food and drink businesses, boost food security, invest in rural communities, deliver growth, manage waste more effectively across the supply chain, improve resilience to climate change and tackle biodiversity loss.
Food and Rural Affairs, if he will introduce mandatory food waste reporting before the end of 2024.
The Government is committed to setting a clear roadmap to a circular economy – a future where our resources are used as efficiently and productively as possible for as long as possible, and waste is reduced. Preventing food waste will be a key part of this work, and the Department is reviewing a range of issues associated with food waste in the supply chain, including mandatory food waste reporting requirements. These will be announced in due course.
Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to introduce mandatory food waste reporting as part of his plan to achieve a zero waste economy.
The Government is committed to setting a clear roadmap to a circular economy – a future where our resources are used as efficiently and productively as possible for as long as possible, and waste is reduced. Preventing food waste will be a key part of this work, and the Department is reviewing a range of issues associated with food waste in the supply chain, including mandatory food waste reporting requirements. These will be announced in due course.