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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to mitigate against increases in food prices.

The Government monitors food prices using the ONS’s inflation figures (Consumer Prices Index including Housing Costs).

Defra is taking action to maintain an efficient food supply chain by mitigating against any potential burdens or friction which could otherwise drive-up consumer food prices. For example, we have introduced labelling flexibility to reduce additional cost burdens resulting from the availability of sunflower oil. Food prices themselves are set by business and it is not for the UK Government to set retail food prices nor to comment on day-to-day commercial decisions by companies.

The broader affordability of food, and individuals’ access to food, is a key element of the Government’s approach to tackling poverty as we manage the impact of cost-of-living pressures. Defra is holding regular discussions with industry to explore ways in which industry can support low-income households by ensuring affordable food remains available, for example by maintaining value ranges, price matching, price freezing measures and use of loyalty card offers.

The Government recently announced a new £15 billion support package to help families with the cost of living, bringing total support for households this year to £37 billion.

Agricultural commodities are closely linked to global gas prices. Farmers are facing increased input costs for fertiliser, livestock feed, fuel and energy. We have taken steps to assist farmers with the availability of fertiliser ahead of the coming growing season and we have also brought forward 50% of the BPS payment to July to help ease cash flow pressures.