COUNTRYSIDE minister Elliot Morley visited Kilnsey Trout Farm on Tuesday to see an example of rural diversification at its best.

Mr Morley was in Wharfedale to launch the England Rural Development Programme, which will mean £21 million of agricultural support being redirected throughout the county.

It is part of a seven-year £1.6 billion programme, which is the main plank of the Government's "New Direction for Agriculture".

One local man who was pleased to welcome Mr Morley and listen to how the programme could benefit him was David Sale, manager at Kilnsey Park.

He has developed the business with the help of Objective 5b money and has used grants to build a smokehouse for the trout farm, and a processing room for the gutting and filleting of the fish.

Mr Sale also has ideas for other projects, which will help sustain the business and for which he could apply for grant assistance.

The development programme gives a framework to measures aimed at protecting the environment and supporting the rural economy and community. It also covers grant schemes for woodland areas and hill farmers.

Four new schemes were also launched under the programme including a Rural Enterprise Scheme, a Vocational Training Scheme, a processing and marketing grant, and an energy crops scheme.

It is hoped all will help promote more diverse and sustainable rural economies and communities.

For example, the energy crops scheme offers farmers incentives to grow energy crops such as short-rotation coppice and miscanthus (elephant grass) which make significant contributions to Government targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

To be eligible, farmers must apply to grow at least three hectares of energy crops and agree to supply to an energy producer.

Mr Morley said: "The Government is committed to sustaining and enhancing the distinctive environment, economy and social fabric of the English countryside for the benefit of all."

The programme is a shared vision, with MAFF working very closely with all departments and agencies working for the countryside. Each Government Office region has its own chapter of the programme in which regional aspirations and goals are defined.

Mr Morley added: "The programme is only the first step towards delivering an integrated rural policy. We will continue to work with our partners as we develop the new schemes."

For further information about the Yorkshire and Humber Regional chapter contact MAFF, Alverton Court, Crosby Road, Northallerton, DL6 IAD, tel 01609 773751, or e-mail: enquiries@northallerton.maff.gsi.gov.uk. The chapter can also be accessed at www.maff.gov.uk