Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme

That this House regrets the Government’s decision to close the Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme in December 2025; further regrets the lack of clarity for the sector about funding arrangements beyond this date; understands this scheme previously supported increased productivity and innovation in the sector, providing nutritious food for our plates; is concerned that growers and farmers who trade between England and Scotland or the EU could be disadvantaged given that the scheme is due to continue in Scotland; also regrets that this decision comes at a time of increasing uncertainty for farmers after the Government’s changes to Agricultural Property Relief, real terms cuts to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) budget announced in the Spending Review, and sudden closure of the Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme; recognises with deep concern that these decisions preceded one of the worst harvests on record, putting our food security at greater risk and pushing up food prices; and calls on the Government to ensure growers are not put at a disadvantage, give them the financial stability, and commit to increasing DEFRA’s budget by £1billion per year to ensure farmers have the support they need to produce high quality food for our tables while protecting and enhancing our natural environment.