Mark has called on the Government to support Shropshire vineyards and wine producers, asking DEFRA Ministers how the Government will help them cope with the effects of climate change.

According to https://www.shropshirevineyards.com/vineyards.html there are 18 vineyards in Shropshire or on the county's borders.

Victoria Prentis, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Farming, Fisheries and Food, responded to Mr Pritchard's question as follows:

"Adapting to current and predicted changes to our climate is vital across the economy.

"On 16 June 2021 the Climate Change Committee published a new UK Climate Risk Independent Assessment (CRIA). It offers a detailed and up to date insight into the growing risks and opportunities to the UK from climate change and includes a technical chapter on the natural environment and natural resources, including coverage of opportunities for new crops and viniculture.

"The wine sector is excellent example of how our agriculture sector is already adapting to meet the demands of climate change and through this helping to build resilience in our rural landscapes and economies.  One indication of this is the willingness of some famous champagne houses to invest in UK vineyards.

"We work closely with the £18.7 million Strategic Priority Fund UK Climate Resilience Programme, supported by UK Research & Innovation and the Met Office. This programme includes a project looking specifically at the risks and opportunities associated with climate change in the UK wine sector. A link to the project can be found here: crews-uk-characterising-and-adapting-to-climate-risks-in-the-uk-wine-sector-climate-resilience-in-the-uk-wine-sector/."

Commenting, The Rt Hon Mark Pritchard MP said:

“Shropshire has a growing and thriving winemaking sector.  Climate change will have an impact, so I've asked the Government to quantify that impact and to explain what support and mitigation will be offered to local winemakers to keep the sector viable and profitable."