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622487

	registered interest
	date	27/10/2016
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Tomatoes: Research
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the research by Professor Graham Seymour into controlling the softening of the tomato fruit.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Kennedy of Cradley
	uin	HL2808
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2016 answer text <p>We welcome Professor Graham Seymour’s research project and my officials will be writing to him shortly to invite him to present his results to them.</p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble question first answered 10/11/2016 16:19:38 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
	tabling member	4303 label Biography information for Baroness Kennedy of Cradley

622469

	registered interest
	date	27/10/2016
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Livestock: Animal Feed
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will develop guidance on the use of the term "grass-fed" for livestock so that consumers can make more informed decisions when buying meat and dairy products.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer
	uin	HL2790
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2016 answer text <p>There is no legal definition of “grass-fed“ in relation to livestock rearing practice, although there is a general obligation in food labelling and consumer law that food labelling should not mislead the consumer and this obligation remains in place. Previous voluntary labelling guidance defined grass-fed as “fed primarily on grass in the field”.</p><p> </p><p>Defra is currently working on a range of proposals to inform discussions about the shape of a future agriculture policy and we want to ensure that the future regulatory framework continues to provide consumers with confidence in the food that they are buying, and continues to secure our world-leading reputation for high quality and standards.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble question first answered 10/11/2016 12:31:27 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
	tabling member	1934 label Biography information for Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer

622467

	registered interest
	date	27/10/2016
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Agriculture: Subsidies
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they are planning to introduce a subsidy ceiling on farm payments; and if so, what ceiling.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer
	uin	HL2788
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2016 answer text <p>There are currently no plans to introduce a subsidy ceiling on farm payments. Previously, the Government has opposed the European Commission’s proposals for capping farm payments due to the risk that to do so would simply encourage farms to restructure into smaller, and perhaps, less efficient units to avoid losing out on payments.</p><p> </p><p>However, the government is looking at how best to support farming and the countryside after we leave the EU.</p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble question first answered 10/11/2016 12:30:24 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
	tabling member	1934 label Biography information for Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer

622488

	registered interest
	date	27/10/2016
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Cereals
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the harvest forecast for arable crops across the EU.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Kennedy of Cradley
	uin	HL2809
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2016 answer text <p>The UK contributes statistical data to the European Commission cereals harvest forecast, which is reviewed each month. The EU forecast for 2016/17, as at the end of October, indicates total cereals availability of 294.8 million tonnes. This represents a 5.4% reduction on 2015/16. EU harvest forecasts are published on the Commission’s website.</p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble question first answered 10/11/2016 12:25:44 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
	tabling member	4303 label Biography information for Baroness Kennedy of Cradley

622470

	registered interest
	date	27/10/2016
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Farmers: Age
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what estimate they have made of the average age of farmers in England; and what assessment they have made of the impact of farmers' ages on the future of English farming.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer
	uin	HL2791
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2016 answer text <p>The Government publication Agriculture in the United Kingdom 2015 shows that the median age of farm holders in the UK is 59.</p><p> </p><p>Having a skilled workforce in place, attracting new talent and ensuring that there are opportunities to enter and progress through the farming sector is vital for the future of UK food and farming. The Government is aware of concerns about the aging profile of farming and recognises the challenges facing young new entrants to farming including the high cost of land and access to finance.</p><p> </p><p>The Government is keen to work with industry to explore and promote a range of different farm business models where established farmers can open up opportunities to the next generation of young farmers to gain a foothold and experience in the sector such as agricultural tenancies, share-farming, contract farming, franchise farming and joint ventures.</p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble question first answered 10/11/2016 12:24:58 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
	tabling member	1934 label Biography information for Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer

622489

	registered interest
	date	27/10/2016
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Oilseed Rape
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of erucic acid contamination of oilseed rape.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Kennedy of Cradley
	uin	HL2810
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2016 answer text <p>The Government is aware that a high level of erucic acid has been detected in some oilseed rape deliveries to crushing plants over the past year. The Government is working with the industry to understand the cause of the problem. A survey is being carried out by the supply chain to capture data on the seed used as well as the crop production, harvest and storage methods. This information will be independently analysed by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.</p><p> </p><p>Maximum permitted levels for erucic acid in products entering the food chain are set under EU Commission Regulation No 1881/2006 (as amended) setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs. Local authority enforcement officers undertake routine monitoring to check compliance with the legislation.</p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble question first answered 10/11/2016 12:26:22 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
	tabling member	4303 label Biography information for Baroness Kennedy of Cradley

622468

	registered interest
	date	27/10/2016
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Livestock: Animal Feed
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have made a comparative assessment of the animal welfare, environmental and human health benefits of pasture-fed livestock, against livestock raised on a primarily grain-based diet.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer
	uin	HL2789
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2016 answer text <p>The Department has not made a direct comparative assessment of the animal welfare, environmental and human health benefits of grass-fed against grain-fed diets, although we are aware of various research reports and industry initiatives which support the view that grass feeding can have benefits for animal welfare and the environment, and play a part in determining meat quality.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble question first answered 10/11/2016 12:30:47 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
	tabling member	1934 label Biography information for Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer

622486

	registered interest
	date	27/10/2016
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Agriculture: Seasonal Workers
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the demand for seasonal workers in the agricultural industry to ensure crops are harvested in the required timescales.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Kennedy of Cradley
	uin	HL2807
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2016 answer text <p>Supporting our farmers and protecting the environment will form an important part of our exit from the EU. We are now focused on making sure that all our policies are delivering for the UK and to grow our world-leading food and farming industry.</p><p> </p><p>We regularly meet farmers and industry representatives and are well aware of the challenges farmers face as their need for workers fluctuates depending on the season and the state of the crop.</p><p> </p><p>With regard to seasonal labour, until we leave the EU, there are no changes to labour movements. Defra is very aware that migrant workers from other EU countries will be one of the complex issues that will have to be resolved as part of our exit negotiation and future relationship with the EU. We are currently working with colleagues across government to understand the issues and explore options.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble question first answered 10/11/2016 12:23:28 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
	tabling member	4303 label Biography information for Baroness Kennedy of Cradley

622465

	registered interest
	date	27/10/2016
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Farmers: Recruitment
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking to support young farmers to stay in farming and to encourage new entrants to become farmers.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer
	uin	HL2786
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2016 answer text <p>Having a skilled workforce in place, attracting new talent and ensuring there are opportunities to enter and progress through the farming sector is vital for the future of UK food and farming. The Government recognises there are barriers facing young new entrants to get started in farming including the high cost of land and access to finance.</p><p> </p><p>The Government is exploring the range of different farm business models that can open up opportunities for new entrants such as agricultural tenancies, share-farming, contract farming, franchise farming and joint ventures. These business models can provide young new farmers with an opportunity to gain experience and build up capital to progress their careers in farming.</p><p> </p><p>The Government is currently providing additional support for young new entrants into farming through the EU Basic Payment Scheme where eligible farmers aged between 18 and 40 can claim a 25% uplift on up to 90 hectares of their Basic Payment Scheme payments for up to five years after they have started in business.</p><p> </p><p>Support is also provided through EU Rural Development Programme schemes including the Growth Programme and LEADER providing help for rural entrepreneurs including farmers setting up a new business or expanding or improving an existing business. In addition the Countryside Productivity scheme provides support to help increase productivity and enhance the competitiveness of farming and forestry industries. Defra also provides grant support to the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs to provide training opportunities for young farmers and we are working with the Food and Drink Federation to treble the number of apprenticeships across the sector.</p><p> </p><p>Whilst the UK is a member of the EU these funding streams will remain in place and Defra continues to engage with young farmers to help shape our future plans for UK agricultural policy outside of the EU.</p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble grouped question UIN HL2787 question first answered 10/11/2016 16:20:34 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
	tabling member	1934 label Biography information for Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer

622466

	registered interest
	date	27/10/2016
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Farmers: Recruitment
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what they have identified as the main barriers to young entrants hoping to become farmers.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer
	uin	HL2787
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2016 answer text <p>Having a skilled workforce in place, attracting new talent and ensuring there are opportunities to enter and progress through the farming sector is vital for the future of UK food and farming. The Government recognises there are barriers facing young new entrants to get started in farming including the high cost of land and access to finance.</p><p> </p><p>The Government is exploring the range of different farm business models that can open up opportunities for new entrants such as agricultural tenancies, share-farming, contract farming, franchise farming and joint ventures. These business models can provide young new farmers with an opportunity to gain experience and build up capital to progress their careers in farming.</p><p> </p><p>The Government is currently providing additional support for young new entrants into farming through the EU Basic Payment Scheme where eligible farmers aged between 18 and 40 can claim a 25% uplift on up to 90 hectares of their Basic Payment Scheme payments for up to five years after they have started in business.</p><p> </p><p>Support is also provided through EU Rural Development Programme schemes including the Growth Programme and LEADER providing help for rural entrepreneurs including farmers setting up a new business or expanding or improving an existing business. In addition the Countryside Productivity scheme provides support to help increase productivity and enhance the competitiveness of farming and forestry industries. Defra also provides grant support to the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs to provide training opportunities for young farmers and we are working with the Food and Drink Federation to treble the number of apprenticeships across the sector.</p><p> </p><p>Whilst the UK is a member of the EU these funding streams will remain in place and Defra continues to engage with young farmers to help shape our future plans for UK agricultural policy outside of the EU.</p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble grouped question UIN HL2786 question first answered 10/11/2016 16:20:34 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
	tabling member	1934 label Biography information for Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer