§ 22. Mr. KidneyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the advantages to farmers of farm assurance schemes. [28767]
§ Mr. MorleyI very much welcome the initiative of the food industry, including farmers, in tackling consumer concerns on food through the creation of farm assurance schemes. To command the confidence of consumers, such schemes must have measurable standards acceptable to all and be subject to independent third party verification to internationally recognised standards. My officials have been advising, and will continue to advise, the industry on these issues.