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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what support from her Department is available to farmers seeking to diversify into more climate-resilient crops.

Defra funds crop breeding R&D to improve crop resilience through the Genetic Improvement Networks. This £15 million 5 year investment (2024-29) helps crops to grow stronger, be more resilient to pests, diseases and a changing climate with enhanced input efficiencies.  The Farming Innovation Programme also supports investment in R&D such as projects focused on climate resilient crops, boosting defence to pests and disease as well as drought tolerance.