VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Dairy Farming

Asked by Julia BuckleyLabourDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 11 February 2026UIN 111305

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what mechanisms are in place to help protect farmers from fluctuations in milk prices following the removal of the Basic Payment Scheme.

Answered by Dame Angela Eagle

The UK dairy industry is a resilient and dynamic sector which operates in an open market where the value of dairy commodities, including farmgate milk prices, is established by those in supply chains including farmers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers. Price fluctuations are a normal part of how the dairy market operates as it seeks to balance supply with demand.

The Government paid more than £2.6 billion to British farmers in 2024-25, the most funding in a single financial year since we left the EU. This included funding toward Environmental Land Management schemes, improving animal health and welfare on farm and grants to drive innovation in agriculture and food production across England.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim