Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to support farmers with the cost of fertiliser.

The Government understands the impact that recent cost pressures have had on farmers across the country. It has cut the duty rate on red diesel by over a third per litre to 6.48p, the lowest rate in over 20 years. This will remain in place until the end of the year, supporting the agricultural sector in the fuel intensive harvest period.

The Government has announced a £65 million package of support to help farmers in England manage the impact of this summer’s prolonged dry weather. This includes an extra £50 million for the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 to help farmers adapt to the risk of future droughts, and up to £15 million to build on-farm reservoirs, helping farmers become more resilient. The Government also confirmed temporary adjustments to Environmental Land Management agreements, so farmers affected by drought can continue to receive payments and take practical steps to protect livestock, crops and land. Agricultural policy in the UK is devolved.

The Government ran a call for input on suspending tariffs on fertiliser, as part of a cost-of-living tariff suspensions package, and is now considering the responses ahead of making a final decision.

Biosecurity is of utmost importance to the government. The government is strengthening the systems needed to prevent, detect and control disease and coordinating national action to protect trade, public health and animal welfare.