To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what encouragement his Department has given to the Government of the Falklands to diversify the islands agricultural base. [78389]

It is for the Falkland Islanders and their Government to decide whether and how to diversify their agriculture. We encourage them to consider diversification options. They are studying options including alternative livestocks. They are investing in a programme to improve their pasture, which will facilitate diversification, and have secured EU funds for the construction of an abattoir.