§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what support the Government are giving to individuals preserving rare breeds of farm livestock.
§ Mr. JackIndividuals rearing rare breeds of farm livestock are eligible for the same support under the common agricultural policy as other livestock producers. In addition, the European Commission has made a proposal on the conservation of genetic resources in agriculture which may prove helpful to organisations concerned with rare breeds: and my Department is planning a study to establish the extent to which rare breeds contribute to genetic diversity.
§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether she is encouraging conservation agencies to use rare breeds of livestock in conservation grazing schemes; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. JackNone of the conservation schemes for which this Department has responsibility specifically encourages the use of rare breeds. However, a recent change to the EC set-aside rules has introduced the possibility of limited grazing of set-aside land in the autumn, including grazing by rare breeds.