To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, in light of the recent rising input costs and price volatility around certain agricultural commodities, what assessment he has made of the merits of increasing support payments and grants to farmers.

I refer the Member to my answer provided to AQW 731/22-27. With end markets for agricultural produce not yet responding sufficiently to offset rising costs, farmers are experiencing significant adverse effects on their cash flows and profitability.

I met the Rt Hon George Eustice MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, on 8 June to reiterate once again my call for a funding package for the agricultural and fisheries sectors as quickly as possible. These pressures on the industry are not temporary and we do not want to jeopardise our domestic food supply.