§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what services are offered by the Farm Business Advice Service; and what funds have been allocated to it. [160529]
§ Ms QuinThe Farm Business Advice Service provides up to three days of free one-to-one business advice to farmers and growers in England. The service provides a business health check leading to the preparation of an Action Plan that will help farmers develop better business practices and signpost them to organisations that can provide further support and advice. £4.1 million was spent on delivery of the Farm Business Advice Service in 2000–01 and the service has a budget of £5.25 million for 2001–02.
An enhanced form of the service is being introduced for those farmers whose livestock have been compulsorily slaughtered under the foot and mouth control measures. They are in particular need of help to plan ahead and will be offered up to five days' free advice. Under the enhanced service advisers will help individual farmers develop an effective recovery or exit strategy, draw up a business plan for the farm, explore and develop new income opportunities and access the range of other support measures available. The farm business advisers will draw on guidance the Ministry will provide for farmers who are considering restocking. The additional cost of the enhanced service will be £10.4 million, £4.4 million of which will be funded by carrying forward unspent provision from 2000–01.