§ Gregory BarkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what resources will be available to assist farming communities affected by the fall in produce prices. [137256]
§ Mr. BradshawOverall income from farming in the UK rose 15 per cent. in 2002, with the average full-time farmer earning £11,107. This was the second year running that there was an increase in farm incomes. This upward trend looks set to continue due to a recovery in the euro so far in 2003, which has led to a rise in prices across a range of commodities and will result in higher direct sterling subsidy payments.
It is important to note that for most farm households, incomes will be enhanced by other sources of income. Furthermore, for a significant number of these households diversified income is at present higher than the income earned from farming.
Government policy is not to attempt to intervene in the market to try and artificially increase incomes, but to facilitate the right economic framework to enable farmers to succeed, compete successfully internationally and have a profitable future.
The Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food, launched on 12 December 2002, sets out how Government, industry and consumers will work with the whole of the food chain to secure a sustainable future for English farming and food industries, as viable industries contributing to a better environment and healthy and prosperous communities.