§ Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on her Department's policy for the development of sustainable agriculture within the United Kingdom; if she will list the elements comprising the policy; and on what time scale she expects changes to be enacted within the agricultural industry. [31457]
§ Mr. MorleyThe independent Policy Commission, which was asked to advise Government on how we can create a sustainable, competitive and diverse farming and 619W food sector in England, delivered its report yesterday. Their ideas will make a substantial contribution towards a new Government strategy for sustainable, modern and adaptable farming, which we intend to launch in the summer.
While responsibility for European and international aspects of policy rests with the UK Government, agriculture policy in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is devolved. The devolved Administrations have their own strategies for the development of their farming industries in their countries.
Copies of the Report have been placed in the House Libraries and the Vote Office.