§ Mr. HeathTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures she is taking to promote farmers' markets. [87410]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 16 December 2002]: The Government does recognise that farmers' markets can bring benefits for both producers and consumers. In support of this, there is provision under the England Rural Development Programme and the Agricultural Development Scheme for grants for activities such as the establishment of farmers' markets.
More specifically, to encourage the development of farmers' markets we have:
written to all Local Authorities drawing their attention to the benefits which farmers' markets can bring;provided funding towards the National Association of Farmers' Markets' training and marketing programme and their accreditation scheme;sponsored the Local Government Association Guide on Farmers' Markets;andprovided funding to help with the re-launch of farmers' markets following the foot and mouth crisis.