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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to provide funding for (a) high welfare farming and (b) locally owned processing.

The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2026 made available £20 million in capital grants supporting investment in equipment to improve animal health and welfare. Eligible farmers can also access funded vet visits.

Fairness in the agricultural supply chain is a key priority for the Government. Defra is using powers in the Agriculture Act to introduce ‘Fair Dealings’ Regulations, applying to businesses when purchasing agricultural products from farmers. These regulations could mandate that contracts include certain information, such as payment terms, and set parameters around these details.