§ Mr. YeoTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to channel state support for farm diversification through bodies other than the Countryside Agency. [140196]
§ Mr. Nick Brown[holding answer 27 November 2000]: The England Rural Development Programme provides grant aid for a range of farm diversification activities including agricultural and non-agricultural enterprises and grants for planting woodland and energy crops. The Programme has been drawn up in collaboration with other Government Departments, environmental and countryside agencies and rural interests but MAFF and the Forestry Commission are responsible for operating the Programme.
Some other Government Departments and agencies also provide support for farm diversification.