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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help (a) reduce input costs and (b) increase labour levels in the agricultural sector.

Investment in agricultural R&D and innovative practices through the Farming Innovation Programme is helping farmers and growers increase productivity, reduce input costs, and adopt more sustainable practices. In the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, we announced at least £200 million to the programme up to 2030 so underlining our continued commitment to supporting innovation in agriculture, including reducing inputs.

Defra is also working closely with The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture (TIAH) which is encouraging young people and new entrants into farming in its capacity as an industry led professional body for the farming industry. This includes leading a cross-industry initiative to address common negative misconceptions about the sector and providing free TIAH membership for students.