Vol. 543 No. 2
245 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he has plans to introduce a new framework for farm partnerships; and if he plans to introduce such a scheme to all sectors of agriculture here. [26213/01]
I provided for partnerships involving milk producers in the new milk quota regulations introduced in April 2000. Following detailed consultations, I announced last week the rules for these partnerships. A statutory instrument giving legal effect to these rules will be signed by me in the next few days. This measure will be introduced on a pilot basis initially and will be subject to a detailed review after 12 months. The question of introducing partnership arrangements in other sectors can be examined in the light of experience gained in the operation of such schemes in the dairy sector.
