HC Deb 17 July 2002 vol 389 cc313-4W
Mr. Wiggin

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent steps

circumstances. The opportunity to pursue a successful diversification enterprise will depend upon a range of factors, including the resources and assets of the farm, the skills and expertise of the farmer and their family, and the farm's geographic circumstances.

In England, DEFRA provides grants for farmers seeking to pursue good diversification projects under the Rural Enterprise Scheme, which forms part of the England Rural Development Programme. The Department also offers assistance in the form of free planning consultancy advice to farmers who intend to pursue an eligible diversification project through the Rural Enterprise Scheme and we are considering how to improve the provision of help and information to farmers considering diversifying their business.