§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent estimate she has made of the(a) minimum income, (b) minimum standard man day and (c) minimum whole time equivalents required to maintain a viable agricultural holding across all sectors. [96960]
§ Mr. MorleyNo specific estimates of this type have been made as the level of income and labour required to maintain a viable agricultural holding is a matter for the individual farmer. An assessment was made of current 81W and future business prospects for farming in analysis produced to accompany the launch of 'The Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food'. This can be found at htto://www.defra.gov.uk/farm/sustain/newstrategy/econ/sectionl.pdf