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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to (a) strengthen national food security and (b) increase levels of domestic food production.

Food security is national security. We need a resilient and healthy food system, that works with nature and supports British farmers, fishers and food producers.

The Government’s commitment to farming and food security remains steadfast which is why the government is investing £2.7 billion a year into sustainable food production and nature’s recovery, with funding for our Environmental Land Management schemes increasing by 150%.

Work is underway to develop an ambitious new food strategy to set the food system up for long term success. The strategy will deliver wide ranging improvements to ensure it is able to feed the nation, realise its potential for economic growth, protect the planet, and nourish individuals.

We work closely with the Cabinet Office and other Lead Government Departments ensuring food supply is fully incorporated as part of emergency preparedness, including consideration of dependencies on other sectors.