§ Mr. GroganTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans she has to introduce a means-tested retirement scheme for farmers. [86787]
§ Alun MichaelWe have no plans to introduce an early retirement scheme for farmers. The Government agrees with the findings of the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food that a retirement incentive scheme would not offer value for money. However, as suggested by the Commission, Defra is developing a supporting pack of advice for farmers considering retirement, in consultation with stakeholders. The pack should be available by June 2003.