§ Mr. JackTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what programmes of support his Ministry is currently making available for the development of alternative crops. [54828]
§ Mr. RookerThis year, we have increased grants for the establishment of short rotation coppice near the UK's first biomass-fuelled power station. The Ministry has promoted alternative crops at agricultural shows, seminars, workshops and through a dedicated Website. Expenditure on strategic research and development totals £1.1 million annually.
§ Mr. JackTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for what reasons he has not requested that alternative crops are afforded the same treatment under the IACS payment scheme as existing comparable crops under Agenda 2000. [54830]
§ Mr. RookerThe European Commission has undertaken to produce a report on non-food and energy crops within the context of Agenda 2000. The Government are considering their approach towards this.