§ David MacleanTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what efforts are being made to encourage young farmers in the agricultural industry, with particular reference to family and livestock farming. [2174]
§ Mr. MorleyOne of the key tasks for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is to work with all concerned to develop an economically viable, sustainable, diverse and dynamic farming industry. The enthusiasm and fresh ideas young farmers bring to the industry will be vital in helping to secure this aim, as are the skills of the many family-run livestock farms which are currently struggling to cope with the appalling difficulties caused by the foot and mouth disease outbreak.
The Government are supporting the industry in many ways. These include the measures in the Agriculture Strategy launched last year and the food and mouth recovery programme announced on 8 May by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Work the then Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Together these measures will help create the economic conditions in which a restructured industry can flourish once foot and mouth disease has been eradicated. This will be of benefit to all farmers including young farmers and family-run farms.