§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures he is taking to assist farmers to diversify their businesses. [100275]
§ Mr. MorleyFunding to encourage a wide range of agricultural activities, including farm diversification, is available in the six areas designated under the English Objective 5b Structural Fund Programmes which are due to close on 31 December 1999. The European Council Rural Development Regulation (1257/1999), which applies from 2000, enables member states to support projects to encourage diversification of agricultural activities, among other things. A decision on the implementation of the Regulation will be made shortly.