Farmers’ Markets: Finance

Mr. Paice
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what funding is available under the England Rural Development Programme to support the establishment of farmers' markets in 2008-09.

Huw Irranca-Davies
Under axis 1 of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) funding is available for opening new marketing opportunities for agricultural and forestry products, putting the emphasis on quality. Under axis 3 of the RDPE, funding is available for the promotion of tourism activities linked to quality regional and local food culture. It is for each region to determine whether the establishment of farmers’ markets is a priority for them.