§ 19. Mr. KidneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assistance her Department is giving farmers to diversify their businesses. [46529]
§ Alun MichaelThe Department provides grants for farmers in England seeking to pursue good diversification projects under the Rural Enterprise Scheme and the Vocational Training Scheme, which form part of the England Rural Development Programme. DEFRA also offers assistance in the form of free planning consultancy advice to farmers who intend to pursue an eligible RES diversification project. Funds are also available from the regional development agencies to renovate redundant farm buildings. Technical assistance is provided by the Rural Development Service and through the Farm Business Advice Service.