§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assistance and advice is available to members of the farming community who seek to diversify operations in order to supplement income; and if he will make a statement. [1851]
§ Mr. Jonathan EvansThe European agricultural guidance and guarantee fund, through the rural Wales objective 5b programme, 1994 to 1999, assists farming households to develop alternative sources of income and employment opportunities on and off the farm and includes provision for capital grants, advice and training. The Leader II programme also acts as a stimulus to encourage farmers to develop new and innovative enterprises.
513WThe processing and marketing grant scheme provides support towards the capital cost of adding value to agricultural raw materials in the food sector.
The marketing development scheme provides grant aid to farmers and producer groups to undertake feasibility studies to explore food diversification projects.