§ Mr. DobbinTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to promote cost-effective utilisation of farm inputs. [151393]
§ Ms QuinMy right hon. Friend the Minister announced on 23 November the setting up of a Government/industry task force to examine the scope for increasing the effective use of farm inputs and reducing input costs. This is one of several task force initiatives which we have taken in partnership with farming and food interests. The inputs task force published an interim report in late January. Its work is now focused on the issue of market transparency and differences in business practice and regulatory frameworks. The task force expects to report in late March.