Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he is taking to encourage farmers to extend the seasonal production of fresh fruit and vegetables. [204219]

George Eustice, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for farming, food and marine environment: DEFRA supports increasing the seasonal production of fruit and vegetables through working with the sector, investing in new technology and research, and our sponsorship of the Horticulture Innovation Partnership.

Since the recommendations by the Fruit and Vegetable Taskforce in 2010, the Government and industry have worked jointly to overcome barriers towards increasing the amount of indigenous fruit and vegetables produced. This has been despite the poor weather of 2012 and 2013.

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