asked the Minister for Agriculture if he noted a recent report in a reputable technical journal (details supplied) which claimed that the world could face massive crop blights in the future due to modern farming techniques reducing crop diversity; and if so, if he will comment on the matter.
Written Answers. - Crop Blights.
200.
The popular article referred to is somewhat speculative on the possible consequences which modern farming techniques may have for future crops. However, the concentration of plant breeding material, by the use of a more limited range of cultivars, may carry with it some possible long term risk with respect to disease resistance of plants. International co-operation on the establishment of gene banks, which is of course now taking place, appears to be the most appropriate manner of dealing with any such possible risk.
202.
asked the Minister for Agriculture the amount of increase in cattle headage grants which will be paid to farmers in disadvantaged areas.
In the more severely handicapped areas I have increased the 1986 headage rates on beef cows from £32 to £70 in respect of each of the first eight and from £28 to £66 in respect of each of the next 22. I have also increased the rates on dairy cows by 25 per cent subject to the existing limit of ten dairy cows per herd, that is from £25.60 to £32 on the first eight and from £22.40 to £28 on the next two. Provided EC funding of a special increase now under negotiation is approved, I also propose to increase the 1986 rates in the more severely handicapped areas for equines and cattle other than beef cows from £32 to £50 in respect of the first eight livestock units, and from £28 to £44 in respect of the next 22 livestock units.
In the less severely handicapped areas I have increased the 1986 rates on beef cows from £32 to £70 in respect of the first eight and from £28 to £66 in respect of the next 20.