§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the research projects his Department is conducting and funding into less intensive farming methods; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonMy Department is conducting and funding a wide range of research and development on less intensive farming methods. This includes work aimed at reducing chemical inputs in respect of crops and increasing the use of forage as an alternative to intensive feeding systems for livestock. We are also studying the production of beef and sheepmeat in hill areas and the more general environmental effects of less intensive production methods.