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

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking to ensure that more British-grown fruit is sold within the United Kingdom.

The British fruit industry forms a vital part of our food production. We are working with industry to develop a long-term plan to buy more, sell more and grow more British food and ensure our industry can become a world leader.

There has been a steady increase in the total value of UK fruit production over the past five years. Developments in new varieties, production techniques and storage have contributed to increased productivity. More UK-grown fruits are available to British consumers than ever before.

This Government has taken a lead in buying more British food, implementing the Bonfield plan for public sector procurement. It is opening a potential £400 million of new business by making it easier for schools, hospitals and canteens to buy high-quality local food, including British-grown fruit.

Under the Government’s Agri-Tech Strategy we have announced £5.3 million of government and industry funding for seven projects to address challenges for the British fruit sector. These projects will tackle diseases and other issues that limit the supply of British produce.

The industry and government are working to promote the long-term health benefits of eating fruit and vegetables. The UK school fruit and vegetable scheme ensures that every child under the age of seven in school receives a piece of fruit or vegetable every day to help build healthy eating habits.