§ Mr. BrazierTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research she has commissioned into the age profile of those in the farming community; and what measures she is taking to encourage younger people into the agriculture industry. [133891]
§ Mr. Bradshaw[holding answer 27 October 2003]: The Government recognise the importance of encouraging new entrants into farming. The Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food sets out how industry, Government and consumers must work together to secure profitable and internationally competitive farming and food industries, which are attractive to those already engaged in them and to potential new entrants.
This Department has commissioned research which will seek to identify the existence and nature of any artificial barriers to new entrants, and the potential means by which such barriers might be overcome.
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with non-farming commercial interests regarding loss insurance in the event of a disease outbreak in(a) farmed livestock and (b) crops. [134506]
§ Mr. BradshawThe discussions are the same ones referred to in the answer I gave to my right hon. Friend on 6 October 2003,Official Report, column 1185W.