Written question asked by Colin Breed (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 21 January 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 25 January 2002. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Friday, 25 January 2002 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will seek a revision of the definition of agriculture within tenancy legislation to include rural development and agri-environment activities. - (Holding answer 24 January 2002).

Answer: Mr. Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will seek a revision of the definition of agriculture within tenancy legislation to include rural development and agri- environment activities. [29986] Mr. Morley: [holding answer 24 January 2002]: Many tenant farmers are already successfully taking part in rural development and agri-environment scheme. Further, over the last few years roughly the same proportion of tenant farmers and owner occupier farmers have joined the agri-environment schemes. However we are aware that some tenant farmers are concerned about their ability to take part in these schemes. This is something we will consider in the light of the ongoing review of the Agricultural Tenancies Act 1995 and the recommendations made by the Policy Commission on Food and Farming.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 29986; 378 c1170-1W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Agriculture Environment protection Farmers Tenants Agri-environment action plan Rural development programme
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk