Provision of agricultural services and goods

1 Provision of services and goods connected with agriculture and countryside.

1

The Minister may make provision for the supply to any person of any services or goods relating to—

a

the production and marketing of agricultural produce and other food;

b

the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty and amenity of the countryside; or

c

any other agricultural activity or other enterprise of benefit to the rural economy.

2

The provision which may be made under this section includes, in particular, provision for—

a

the giving of information, advice, instruction and training;

b

the undertaking of research and development;

c

the examination or testing of any substance;

d

the supply of veterinary services and of goods required for veterinary purposes;

e

the performance of any service required in connection with the drainage of agricultural land.

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The provision which may be made under this section includes provision for any services or goods mentioned in subsection (1) above to be supplied—

a

through any person with whom the Minister enters into a contract for the making of the supply; or

b

through any organisation established by him for the purposes of this section.

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Any services or goods provided by virtue of this section may be provided free of charge or for such reasonable charge as the Ministers may determine.

5

For the purposes of this section the conservation of the natural beauty of the countryside includes the conservation of flora and fauna and geological and physiographical features.

6

In this section—

  • agriculture” has the same meaning as in the M1Agriculture Act 1947;

  • food” has the same meaning as in the F2Food Safety Act 1990; and

  • the Minister” means—

    1. a

      in relation to services or goods provided in England, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; and

    2. b

      in relation to services or goods provided in Wales, the Secretary of State,

    and “the Ministers” means those Ministers acting jointly.