§ 22. Mr. SheermanTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to encourage innovation and diversification in the small farm sector. [67818]
§ Mr. MorleyFunding is available to the small farm sector to encourage a wide range of agricultural activities, including innovation and farm diversification, in the six areas designated to receive assistance under the English Objective 5b Structural Fund Programmes. No grant aid for farm diversification is currently available outside these areas but MAFF is consulting on options in the Agenda 2000 CAP reform rural development proposals. MAFF is working with the NFU to encourage collaboration among farmers. It is also organising seminars on farmers' markets and the speciality food sector.