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Forests: Environment Protection

Asked by James McMurdockIndependentDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 9 July 2026UIN 15657

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' press release entitled Government steps up action to tackle illegal deforestation, published on 23 June 2026, what assessment she has made of the impact of the proposals on the retail price of products containing (a) cocoa, (b) coffee, (c) palm oil, (d) soy and (e) rubber.

Answered by Mary Creagh

Deforestation and its effects such as climate change and nature loss are a cause of food price inflation, impacting key products the UK imports such as cocoa and coffee. Tackling deforestation helps reduce the risk of future supply disruptions and price increases in the UK. Our research and engagement with businesses indicates due diligence costs are unlikely to notably impact consumer prices.

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