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—
- a
in relation to services or goods provided in England, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; and
- b
in relation to services or goods provided in Wales, the Secretary of State,
and “the Ministers” means those Ministers acting jointly.
- a