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 ensure food and drink producers in Northumberland can access government support for reducing trade barriers.

Our global network of 16 agrifood and drink attachés are breaking down market access barriers and creating new export opportunities, delivering benefits to businesses in Northumberland, the broader North East region and across the UK. So far this year we have pulled down 41 trade barriers, estimated by industry to be worth nearly £100 million to the British food and drink sector. We work closely with industry to identify and resolve barriers, taking into account value, sectoral priorities and importance to local economies. Together with market access secured through Free Trade Agreements, such as the recent agreement with India, this opens the door to British businesses to capitalise on strong global demand for British produce.

Businesses in the North East can report a barrier directly through the online report a barrier service or via their trade association. There are a range of tools and support available for exporters through the Business Growth Service via business.gov.uk.