§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what incentives are being provided by her Department to farmers and landowners practising environmentally conscious methods of land use on their property; and if she will make a statement. [31615]
§ Alun MichaelFunding for farmers and land managers undertaking environmentally beneficial activities is available under the DEFRA agri-environment schemes, Countryside Stewardship, Environmentally Sensitive Areas and Organic Farming. Under the England Rural Development Programme, a total of £1 billion is planned to be spent on these schemes between 2000–06.
A review of the agri-environment schemes will begin shortly, with a view to reporting in 2003. The review will take forward the recommendation of the Policy Commission on the future development of these schemes.