§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what grants and other forms of financial incentive are available for planting vines or changing the use of land for the planting of vines; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JoplingViticultural businesses are eligible for assistance under the capital grant schemes on the same terms as other agricultural businesses. Grant is available on a range of investments including buildings, under-drainage and the provision of services but not for vine planting or related husbandry operations. Under the European Community-assisted scheme grant is available for stakes and wirework for vineyards. If a viticultural business sells its grapes fresh, then it may qualify for further grants as horticultural production business.