§ Gregory BarkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assistance is provided by the Government to young farmers who wish to obtain their own farm holding. [137260]
§ Mr. BradshawThe Government recognise the importance of encouraging new entrants into farming. The Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food sets out how industry, Government and consumers must work together to secure profitable and international competitive farming and food industries which are attractive to those already engaged in them and to potential new entrants.
This Department has commissioned research which will seek to identify the existence and nature of any artificial barriers to new entrants, and the potential means by which such barriers might be overcome. We are discussing with interested organisations how to take forward any measures which are found to be necessary.