Thank you for contacting me about promoting British produce in the UK and Dr Luke Evan’s campaign. When I was Secretary of State for DEFRA, I gave my direct support to this campaign.
I recognise the crucial role farmers playing in supporting good security, driving economic growth and helping us achieve our net zero goals. I know that the Government is proud to celebrate our British farmers and growers who work to produce world-renowned, high-quality produce all year round.
I am aware that Ministers are working to raise awareness of the UK’s reputation for high-quality food and drink produced to high standards of food safety, animal welfare and sustainability.
Officials from DEFRA regularly engage with major supermarkets to understand the work they are doing to promote British produce. Ministers recognise their efforts to promote British food by showcasing seasonal produce and promoting classic British recipes, ensuring that customers can make informed choices about buying great quality British food and drink throughout the year.
Further, following the UK Farm to Fork Summit, the Government confirmed £2 million of investment to boost the UK’s programme of global trade shows and missions, as well as £1.6 million for the GREAT food and drink campaign. Our food and exports bring £24 billion to the British economy and the UK’s network of agri-food attaches play an important role in removing barriers to trade and opening up new trading markets. The UK has been building on its existing overseas network with additional agri-food and drink attaches who have a key role in removing restrictive market barriers.
The UK has good reason to be produce of its food and drink industry. Our network of food festivals, as well as our country’s restaurants and pubs, are testament to that.
