Source · Select Committees · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
First Report - Moving animals across borders
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
HC 79
Published 30 September 2021
Government response
Fifth Special Report - Moving animals across borders: Government Response to the Committee’s First Report of Session 2021–22 · published 16 Dec 2021
Recommendations & Conclusions
1
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 9
The Committee sees the introduction of this new regulation as an important step in preventing...
Conclusion
The Committee sees the introduction of this new regulation as an important step in preventing pet smuggling and is pleased the Government has acted on our recommendation.
Government Response Summary
The government confirms it takes pet smuggling seriously and elaborates on the actions it has taken or is taking, including the introduction of the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill and the intention to introduce a ban on the movement of heavily pregnant dogs, to prevent pet smuggling.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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2
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 13
We welcome the Government’s commitment to ban the import of pets younger than six-months-old, heavily...
Conclusion
We welcome the Government’s commitment to ban the import of pets younger than six-months-old, heavily pregnant pets, and pets that have been subject to poor animal welfare practices. We recognise the argument that ministers should be able to adapt regulations …
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Government Response Summary
The government confirms the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill will address pet smuggling and restrict unacceptable pet movements. They are working rapidly on necessary secondary legislation alongside the Bill to allow for quick adaptation to issues like importing pregnant animals.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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3
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 13
The Bill should maintain the flexibility to allow ministers to adapt to future science and...
Recommendation
The Bill should maintain the flexibility to allow ministers to adapt to future science and intelligence, but Defra should include a ban on animals younger than six months, heavily pregnant animals, and animals which have been subject to poor welfare …
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Government Response Summary
The government states its Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill addresses pet smuggling and includes a proposal to ban the movement of dogs more than 42 days pregnant, but indicates these measures will be implemented through secondary legislation rather than on the face of the Bill as recommended.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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4
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 23
Currently pet smuggling is viewed as a low-risk and high reward crime.
Recommendation
Currently pet smuggling is viewed as a low-risk and high reward crime. The UK must improve its deterrents against pet smuggling.
Government Response Summary
The government is exploring increased penalties for pet smuggling through a consultation and the Welfare of Animals (Kept Animals) Bill, with analysis of responses ongoing. The Animal and Plant Health Agency has also appointed two temporary officers to coordinate investigations and disrupt illegal imports.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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5
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 23
The Government should increase the sentences given to pet smugglers, including greater consideration of custodial...
Recommendation
The Government should increase the sentences given to pet smugglers, including greater consideration of custodial sentences. Increasing prosecution rates must also be a priority, as prosecution rates are proportionately low given the estimated size of the trade. The Government should …
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Government Response Summary
The government is considering increased penalties for pet smuggling through the Welfare of Animals (Kept Animals) Bill and a recent consultation, the results of which are being analysed. The Animal and Plant Health Agency has also appointed two temporary officers to coordinate investigations and disrupt illegal pet imports.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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6
Recommendation
Not Addressed
Para 24
It is the carriers not APHA staff who carry out most checks on pets at...
Recommendation
It is the carriers not APHA staff who carry out most checks on pets at the border. Therefore, Defra should ensure that there is a legal obligation for the individual checking the animal to “visualise” the animal, making sure it …
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Government Response Summary
The Government's response is missing or truncated and does not address the recommendation to ensure a legal obligation for visualising animals during checks.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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7
Conclusion
Rejected
Para 25
Moving the responsibility for checking pets at the border from carriers to a Government Agency...
Conclusion
Moving the responsibility for checking pets at the border from carriers to a Government Agency will prevent the conflict of interests that is inherent within carriers checking the pets of their customers.
Government Response Summary
The Government rejects moving responsibility for pet checks from carriers to a government agency, asserting that current authorised checkers are trained and audited, and carriers are already taking unilateral measures to reduce commercial carriage.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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8
Recommendation
Rejected
The responsibility for checking pets at the border should be shifted from carriers to a...
Recommendation
The responsibility for checking pets at the border should be shifted from carriers to a Government Agency like APHA or Border Force to ensure smuggling is dealt with effectively. (Paragraph 25) 36 Moving animals across borders
Government Response Summary
The government has no plans to shift responsibility for pet checks from carriers to a government agency, stating that existing compliance checking arrangements will continue to be kept under review.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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9
Conclusion
Rejected
Para 26
Within Defra’s policies there is an increasing focus on the prevention of pet smuggling.
Conclusion
Within Defra’s policies there is an increasing focus on the prevention of pet smuggling. However, this increased policy focus has not been matched by an increased prioritisation of the issue or increased funding within Border Force or APHA. Furthermore, we …
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Government Response Summary
The Government states that responsibility for pet checks will remain with authorised carriers and there are no plans to provide additional funding for local authority risk-based checks, though APHA is working on Border Control Post resource requirements for a new import regime.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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10
Recommendation
Rejected
Para 26
Whichever of Border Force or APHA takes responsibility for checking pets must be properly resourced,...
Recommendation
Whichever of Border Force or APHA takes responsibility for checking pets must be properly resourced, and the Department should set out what steps it is taking within Government to ensure that this work is appropriately prioritised and resourced.
Government Response Summary
The Government states that responsibility for pet checks will not change from authorised carriers to a government agency and there are no plans for additional funding for local authority risk-based checks, though APHA is working to determine Border Control Post resource requirements for a new 2022 Live Animal Imports regime.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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11
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 30
It is unclear whether travellers have understood the requirements of the new pet travel regulation.
Conclusion
It is unclear whether travellers have understood the requirements of the new pet travel regulation. There is a risk that as travellers wishing to take their pets abroad will be sent home at the border.
Government Response Summary
The government has issued comprehensive guidance, run social media campaigns, and continues to work with stakeholders to communicate new pet travel rules. Surveys suggest high public awareness, and measures are in place to minimise non-compliance at borders.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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12
Recommendation
Accepted
Para 30
Defra should continue its efforts to ensure travellers understand the new pet travel regulations.
Recommendation
Defra should continue its efforts to ensure travellers understand the new pet travel regulations. The current reduction in travel provides an opportunity to ensure no pet owner is turned back home at the border once travel increases.
Government Response Summary
The government has accepted the recommendation, detailing comprehensive guidance issued through GOV.UK and social media, ongoing collaboration with veterinarians and carriers, and additional communications. They also introduced measures for pets refused entry to return to Great Britain without quarantine for a limited time.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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13
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 33
Regaining ‘part 1 listed’ under the EU’s Pet Travel Scheme will make taking pets to...
Conclusion
Regaining ‘part 1 listed’ under the EU’s Pet Travel Scheme will make taking pets to the EU and Northern Ireland easier and less costly.
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the importance of regaining ‘Part 1 listed’ status under the EU’s Pet Travel Scheme and states it has applied to the European Commission for this status, confirming it will continue to press the EU Commission to secure it.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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14
Recommendation
Accepted
Para 33
The Government should engage with the EU and adopt a pragmatic stance in the pursuit...
Recommendation
The Government should engage with the EU and adopt a pragmatic stance in the pursuit of either ‘Part 1 listed’ status in the EU Pet Travel Scheme’, or an arrangement which is as close to ‘Part 1’ status as is …
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Government Response Summary
The government states it has applied for 'Part 1 listed' status and will continue to press the EU Commission to secure this status, despite currently holding 'Part 2 listed' status.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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15
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 40
A number of non-endemic canine diseases are on the rise in the UK.
Recommendation
A number of non-endemic canine diseases are on the rise in the UK. These pose a serious health risk to the UK pet population. There is a particular risk from street animals being rehomed in the UK and dogs which …
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Government Response Summary
The Government agrees with the committee's findings, has made B.canis infection reportable, and is considering additional steps for commercial pet imports and proposes changes to regulations to tackle low-welfare imports.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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16
Recommendation
Rejected
The Government should introduce pre-import screening for non-endemic diseases which threaten the UK pet population.
Recommendation
The Government should introduce pre-import screening for non-endemic diseases which threaten the UK pet population. This should be accompanied by the reinstalment of the UK’s tick and tapeworm treatment requirements that existed before the UK joined PETS. The UK should …
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Government Response Summary
The Government declines to introduce pre-import screening or reinstate tick and tapeworm requirements, citing that tick treatment alone is insufficient, the rabies titre test is misleading and burdensome, and the overall risk is low, therefore has no immediate plans for changes.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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17
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Britain is a leading player in the global equestrian market, which provides significant economic benefits...
Recommendation
Britain is a leading player in the global equestrian market, which provides significant economic benefits to the UK. The Government must enable the expedited movement of ‘high health status’ horses across Europe to protect this industry. An agreement on high …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the benefits of streamlining equine movements and commits to exploring potential flexibility and continuing to work towards a satisfactory solution for ‘high health status’ horses, despite the EU Commission's stance on third-country rules.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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18
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Para 50
The Government should work with the EU to formulate an agreement on ‘high health status’...
Recommendation
The Government should work with the EU to formulate an agreement on ‘high health status’ horses as quickly as possible. This agreement should be based on a system which is digital by design and easy to use. The Government should …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the benefits and will explore flexibility and continue to work towards a satisfactory solution for streamlining equine movements with the EU, despite the EU's current stance on third-country rules.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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19
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 55
We have been told that there are horses being illicitly moved across Britain’s borders and...
Conclusion
We have been told that there are horses being illicitly moved across Britain’s borders and being sent to slaughter under the guise of being sold for other purposes.
Government Response Summary
The Government is committed to ending live exports for slaughter and is working with devolved nations, industry organisations, and World Horse Welfare to address the misdeclaration of equine movements, focusing on identifying evidence for legitimate trade and controlling high-risk consignments.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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20
Recommendation
Accepted
Para 55
Defra should investigate non-compliant horse movements and quantify the scale and causes of the practice.
Recommendation
Defra should investigate non-compliant horse movements and quantify the scale and causes of the practice. This work should take place in collaboration with industry groups like World Horse Welfare who have developed intelligence and expertise on horse smuggling. Once the …
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Government Response Summary
The government is working with devolved nations and industry organisations, including World Horse Welfare, to identify evidence of misdeclaration in equine movements and focus controls on higher-risk consignments to end live animal exports for slaughter.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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21
Recommendation
Deferred
Para 63
The current system of equine ID is not fit for purpose.
Recommendation
The current system of equine ID is not fit for purpose. Its outdated and fragmented paper systems enable fraud. A digital identification system would help to prevent horse smuggling and enable the expedited movement of ‘high health status’ horses. The …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that proposed changes, including further digitisation of equine identification, will be considered as part of a new public consultation planned for early next year, rather than committing to an urgent move to the system.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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22
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
The proposals put forward in Defra’s upcoming equine identification consultation should be digital by design...
Recommendation
The proposals put forward in Defra’s upcoming equine identification consultation should be digital by design and easy to use, except in exceptional circumstances, such as the studbook network which is vital for the support of native, rare and indigenous breeds. …
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Government Response Summary
The government will launch a new public consultation early in the new year to improve equine ID and traceability, focusing on digitisation and ease of record updates, while preserving studbook arrangements. However, there is no commitment to a funded action plan for enforcement.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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23
Conclusion
Not Addressed
Para 74
The current lack of border control posts approved to process live animal exports in European...
Conclusion
The current lack of border control posts approved to process live animal exports in European ports is an effective ban on the export of British livestock to mainland Europe. The Government’s strategy of incentivising the construction of border control posts …
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Government Response Summary
The government's response is missing, containing only a header without substantive content.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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24
Recommendation
Not Addressed
Para 74
The Government must work more closely with the EU and commercial partners to ensure that...
Recommendation
The Government must work more closely with the EU and commercial partners to ensure that border control posts capable of processing livestock are built immediately in Northern European ports.
Government Response Summary
The government's response focuses on the establishment of UK Border Control Posts for imports into Great Britain, with facilities expected to be operational by July 2022. The response does not address the recommendation for working with the EU to build BCPs in Northern European ports for UK exports.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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25
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 75
The Government must ensure border control posts capable of processing live animals are operational by...
Recommendation
The Government must ensure border control posts capable of processing live animals are operational by March 2022. This date is an absolute deadline rather than a target. These posts should be geographically spread around the country and provide appropriate capacity …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the need for live animal border control posts (BCPs), stating the Sevington BCP will be operational from 1 July 2022 (later than the recommended March 2022 deadline), with a second Kent facility identified and further BCPs to be designated once complete.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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26
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 76
British breeding stock is an important export.
Conclusion
British breeding stock is an important export. We are concerned that the ban on export for slaughter and fattening has been interpreted as a ban on the export of all live animals, which may have led to EU partners not …
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Government Response Summary
The government clarifies that the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill does not ban the export of live animals for breeding purposes. It states it is working with the NFU and discussing with EU Member States to encourage the setup of Border Control Posts for breeding livestock exports.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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27
Recommendation
Accepted
Para 76
Within a month of this report’s publication Defra should provide a clear statement of support...
Recommendation
Within a month of this report’s publication Defra should provide a clear statement of support for the ongoing export of British breeding stock, emphasizing that these exports will not be affected by the ban on export for slaughter and fattening.
Government Response Summary
The government states that the Secretary of State clarified in June 2021 that the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill would not prohibit the export of live animals for breeding purposes, directly addressing the committee's recommendation for a clear statement of support.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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28
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
Para 87
The movement of agricultural animals between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, a practice that has...
Conclusion
The movement of agricultural animals between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, a practice that has existed for generations, has been disrupted by the Northern Ireland Protocol. The residency, scrapie and ear tagging requirements risk jeopardising the genetic integrity of Northern …
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Government Response Summary
The government has reached an agreement with the EU on livestock residency but notes that livestock identification remains an outstanding issue, with ongoing discussions to find a solution. The government will continue to monitor implementation and report back within 12 months.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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29
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 88
The Committee welcomes the agreement between the Government and the Commission on residency requirements and...
Conclusion
The Committee welcomes the agreement between the Government and the Commission on residency requirements and ear tagging.
Government Response Summary
The government confirms an agreement with the EU on livestock residency requirements for movements between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. However, livestock identification (ear tagging) remains an outstanding issue, and the UK is continuing to work with the EU to find a solution.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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30
Recommendation
Accepted
Para 88
However, the Government should monitor the implementation of the new systems to make sure they...
Recommendation
However, the Government should monitor the implementation of the new systems to make sure they are fit for purpose and fully enable the movement of livestock from Great Britain into Northern Ireland. It should review these arrangements within 12 months …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees to continue monitoring the implementation of residency and identification requirements for livestock movements between GB and NI and will report back to the Committee within 12 months as recommended.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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31
Recommendation
Accepted
Para 89
Furthermore, we welcome that the Government is working on a solution to the scrapie requirements,...
Recommendation
Furthermore, we welcome that the Government is working on a solution to the scrapie requirements, but a solution must be found immediately.
Government Response Summary
The government has agreed a new Scrapie Qualifying Status (SQS) with the EU to facilitate the movement of breeding sheep and goats from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. Applications are open until 31 December 2021, and scrapie testing costs for GB-NI movements have been included in the Movement Assistance Scheme.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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32
Recommendation
Accepted
Para 89
The Government should work with the EU to agree a derogation from the scrapie monitoring...
Recommendation
The Government should work with the EU to agree a derogation from the scrapie monitoring system, as quickly as possible. This derogation should provide adequate time for farmers to join the system. The Government should adopt a pragmatic and practical …
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Government Response Summary
The government states it has agreed a new Scrapie Qualifying Status (SQS) within the existing Scrapie Monitoring Scheme with the EU to facilitate the movement of breeding sheep from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, and has included scrapie testing costs in the Movement Assistance Scheme.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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33
Recommendation
Accepted
Para 90
In the short-term Defra should extend the Movement Assistance Scheme to pay for scrapie testing.
Recommendation
In the short-term Defra should extend the Movement Assistance Scheme to pay for scrapie testing. The new breeding season for sheep is about to start meaning the Government needs to find an immediate solution to allow breeding stock from Great …
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Government Response Summary
The government extended the Movement Assistance Scheme to include the cost of scrapie testing for GB-NI movements from 1 July 2021, and has agreed a new Scrapie Qualifying Status to facilitate breeding sheep movements, addressing the recommendation before the suggested deadline.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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34
Conclusion
Accepted
We welcome the ban on export for slaughter and fattening as an important step in...
Conclusion
We welcome the ban on export for slaughter and fattening as an important step in protecting animal welfare. We understand that the number of animal movements this ban will affect is small, however, we are concerned that there may be …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the minimal cost impact of the ban and commits to adapting the journey log system to allow for permitted movements like breeding by requiring evidence of purpose, working with industry to implement this.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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35
Recommendation
Accepted
Para 108
Defra should work with the organisations and businesses that will be affected by the ban...
Recommendation
Defra should work with the organisations and businesses that will be affected by the ban on export for slaughter to ensure that the ban is introduced in a pragmatic way that will not adversely affect rural businesses or animal welfare.
Government Response Summary
The Government is fully committed to working with industry, chairing the Small Abattoirs Working Group, initiating sub-groups for detailed discussions, and exploring future funding through the Farming Investment Fund to support rural businesses affected by the ban on export for slaughter.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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36
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 109
Supporting and bolstering the UK abattoirs network will benefit our food security and protect animal...
Conclusion
Supporting and bolstering the UK abattoirs network will benefit our food security and protect animal welfare. There is a direct link between the Government’s current policy of limiting journey times between the farm and abattoirs, and the need for a …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the important role of small abattoirs and their benefits to animal welfare, committing to work closely with industry and exploring future support through initiatives like the 'Adding Value' theme of the new Farming Investment Fund.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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37
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Para 109
Defra should take action to protect small and medium abattoirs as a national strategic asset.
Recommendation
Defra should take action to protect small and medium abattoirs as a national strategic asset. These businesses should be supported and bolstered through the Future Farming Resilience Fund. Defra should set out and enact its approach to funding the UK …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the important role of small abattoirs and is exploring future support for the sector, such as through the 'Adding Value' theme of the new Farming Investment Fund, but does not set out a specific plan or enactment approach within six months.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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38
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 110
Heavy handed regulations can overburden small and medium abattoirs, preventing them from being successful commercial...
Conclusion
Heavy handed regulations can overburden small and medium abattoirs, preventing them from being successful commercial enterprises.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the issue, detailing ongoing work through the Small Abattoirs Working Group, including a pilot project with the FSA to streamline administrative burdens. It is also exploring future support for the sector through the 'Adding Value' theme of the new Farming Investment Fund.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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39
Recommendation
Deferred
Para 110
Defra should establish a small working group to assess how effectively and fairly regulations are...
Recommendation
Defra should establish a small working group to assess how effectively and fairly regulations are being applied in small and medium abattoirs. This group should ensure regulations are sensible and maintain food hygiene standards without overloading businesses. This group should …
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Government Response Summary
The government notes concerns and states it will conduct stakeholder workshops starting in Autumn 2021 and continuing into 2022 to explore issues and evidence, with reforms to be implemented later, rather than committing to establish the specific working group requested.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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40
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 111
The Government’s proposals on ‘Improvements to animal welfare in Transport’ are well-meaning but flawed.
Conclusion
The Government’s proposals on ‘Improvements to animal welfare in Transport’ are well-meaning but flawed. They show a lack of understanding in how parts of the agricultural economy work and would have benefited from better co-design and consultation.
Government Response Summary
The government notes the committee's concerns about animal welfare in transport proposals and commits to continuing to work with stakeholders through workshops in late 2021 and 2022 to explore issues, with reforms to be implemented via secondary legislation or guidance.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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41
Recommendation
Accepted
We welcome that Defra is rethinking its proposals.
Recommendation
We welcome that Defra is rethinking its proposals. Defra should ensure they work with the industry to develop its new proposals, making sure they protect animal welfare while being practical and realistic. It should publish the updated proposals by December …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the recommendations on biosecurity but primarily describes existing systems and ongoing engagement, without committing to working with industry on new proposals or publishing them by the specified deadline.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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42
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 117
Diseases do not recognise borders.
Conclusion
Diseases do not recognise borders. Enhancing biosecurity protects animal, plant and human health. Although we have full faith in the Chief Veterinary Officer, it would be easier to monitor animal diseases in our closest neighbours if the UK regained access …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the committee's recommendations and states they retain reporting access with the European Food Safety Agency and continue to share surveillance data. They will continue to engage with the European Commission without explicitly committing to regaining ADNS access.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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43
Recommendation
Not Addressed
The Government should work with the EU to regain Britain’s access to the ADNS as...
Recommendation
The Government should work with the EU to regain Britain’s access to the ADNS as a matter of urgency Defra should update this committee on its efforts . (Paragraph 117) 40 Moving animals across borders
Government Response Summary
The government's response discusses veterinary capacity and certification for animal exports but does not address the committee's specific recommendation to work with the EU to regain access to the ADNS.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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44
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 123
There is disagreement between Defra, the veterinary sector, and the Chief Veterinary Officer about whether...
Conclusion
There is disagreement between Defra, the veterinary sector, and the Chief Veterinary Officer about whether there are enough veterinarians to carry out the increase in certification work which is required following the transition period.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges a shortfall in official veterinarians, particularly in abattoirs, and outlines specific actions already undertaken or underway, including £1.8m in grant funding, developing a centralised training package, and creating Certification Support Officer roles to increase capacity.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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45
Recommendation
Not Addressed
Government should closely monitor veterinary capacity alongside projections of six-month demand and publish statistics on...
Recommendation
Government should closely monitor veterinary capacity alongside projections of six-month demand and publish statistics on a quarterly basis. (Paragraph 123) Moving animals across borders 41
Government Response Summary
The government explains current veterinary capacity challenges and outlines measures taken to address the shortfall, including providing grant funding and developing training. However, it does not commit to the specific recommendation of monitoring capacity alongside six-month demand projections and publishing statistics quarterly.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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