Emma Reynolds pledges to manage food inflation and support British farmers
20th November 2025
With inflation now falling overall but food prices rising according to the latest figures, environment secretary Emma Reynolds promised to set out further steps from the government to help drive down food costs.
In two speeches to the Food and Drink Federation and CLA Rural Business conferences, the MP is set to announce the government’s plans to invite industry to apply for tariffs to be suspended on products they need that are not produced in the UK, as well as a new commitment to streamline regulation on the food sector wherever possible.
DEFRA said that this move supports the chancellor’s targeted action to support the Bank of England in reducing inflation and comes ahead of the Budget.
The environment secretary said: “Since joining DEFRA, I’ve been taking practical steps to bear down on food inflation and manage food costs for shoppers. By cutting red tape and keeping tariffs down, we will help businesses deliver for customers and give them confidence to invest for the future.”
To help reduce import costs, DEFRA, DBT and HMT will be launching a process inviting industry to apply for import tariffs to be suspended to cut costs and to keep the prices of key ingredients from large increases, the government confirmed.
READ MORE: Over 100 businesses write to PM urging him to rethink IHT changes ahead of Budget
‘Less paperwork, lower costs and faster movement of goods’
A new Food Inflation Gateway is set to assess the impact of government regulations on food businesses and their impact on food prices. By introducing new requirements, removing duplication and streamlining regulation where possible, this should reduce unnecessary costs for food businesses, according to DEFRA.
Both these measures aim to manage costs for manufacturers and retailers, avoiding these being passed onto the consumers at the till. This builds on the EU reset deal that will mean less paperwork, lower costs and faster movement of goods for industry, DEFRA explained.
In a separate address to farmers and landowners today at the CLA Rural Business conference, Emma Reynolds MP is set to reveal how the government will be supporting the nation’s farmers to drive growth – with rural Britain contributing £259 billion to our economy and supporting over half a million businesses.
She is set to discuss work to boost farming productivity alongside the Batters Review, due to be published before Christmas.
READ MORE: Cow and slurry tanker appear in London as farmers mark rally anniversary
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