HC Deb 29 March 1999 vol 328 cc506-7W
Mr. MacShane

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to encourage rotation of planting by(a) species of crops and (b) area of UK farms. [78540]

Mr. Rooker

It is for farmers to decide how best to manage their crop rotations to achieve profitability and meet customer requirements. The Government's role is to provide an appropriate policy framework, which is why it has pressed for CAP reforms aimed at reducing the distortions caused by production-linked subsidies. The Government also aid conversion to organic farming, which relies on crop rotations to maintain soil fertility.

Mr. MacShane

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of food-producing land in England is devoted to monoculture. [78541]

Mr. Rooker

The information is not available in the form requested. Information on agricultural land use can be found in "Agriculture in the United Kingdom 1998" which was published on 16 March 1999 and a copy placed in the Library of the House.