A NEW initiative to help agriculture in the Dales has received full support from the Yorkshire Dales National Park authority.

Its members have given their backing to ideas from a working group set up to help support agriculture during and beyond the current farming crisis.

The group, established following a meeting last November, consists of six members - four officers, plus individuals from other organisations who have been co-opted or invited because of their particular skills or experience. Invited representatives have so far come from the Wensleydale Creamery, Richmondshire District Council's Economic Development Unit, the Yorkshire Tourist Board, Meat and Livestock Commission and North Yorkshire County Council.

At the first meeting the group agreed its purpose was to demonstrate the National Park Authority's support for agriculture; find ways to develop project ideas with other supporters, and listen to and understand the needs of farmers in the Dales.

Since then two public meetings have been held to assess the general feeling towards the initiative, and to put forward any suggestions and fears.

A meeting at Skipton Auction Mart drew a full house.

The farmers indicated that the group's idea of marketing produce such as Dales lamb to a local and perhaps more national market was a good one.

However, many felt there could be problems. For example, the short season when lamb was available could cause difficulties when the market was already flooded by lamb from New Zealand.

It was agreed public awareness was critical at such a time, as many shoppers habitually bought their meat from supermarkets and were naturally tempted into buying the cheaper imports. Many had never even tasted Dales lamb.

Commenting on the initiative as a whole, Robert Heseltine, chairman of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said: "The economy of rural communities, particularly in the Yorkshire Dales, remains critically at risk.

"We are determined to strongly promote initiatives and programmes that will in the short term provide the stitch in time and in the longer term bring stability to upland agriculture and other rural business.

"Only through partnership and pulling together will we bring about the improvement in the economic, social and environmental well-being of these Yorkshire Dales that it so desperately needed."

The working group has looked at ways of selling local produce, such as lamb bred in the Dales, and sold under a National Park logo and/or name.

It has also looked at ways to influence local purchasing policies by finding ways to market produce locally, and support the supply chain by identifying weak links, such as local abattoirs which may need assistance from external funding agencies.

The group has also examined ways of raising awareness of organic agriculture, its constraints and benefits.

Training skills development was another issue which members felt would improve farmers' existing business and enable them to diversify.

One way this issue is being tackled is by Craven College's involvement in European union funded CELL projects, which could help establish distance learning centres in the national park at locations suitable for farming communities.

Such projects could see farmers becoming proficient in computer techniques and information technology.

The CELL projects are being co-ordinated by the University of York and Craven College is partnering the initiative.

Other possible forms of diversification include farm tourism. This path has already been trodden by some farmers who offer bed and breakfast accommodation for people visiting the area.

Alice Owen, head of conservation and policy at the national park authority, told members at a recent meeting: "The consultation that has seen us listening to 140 farmers, local residents and specialists has paid off. By approving the recommendations brought before the authority, members have said yes to constructive help at a time of crisis for many Dales farmers."

It was felt the issue of local awareness of produce grown in the Dales could be started closer to home - even at National Park authority meetings.

"We could have local produce served at the authority's buffet lunches," suggested member Wilf Fenten, who added that the idea of training and skills development was an excellent way forward.

Members agreed that the marketing of locally grown produce was a positive step forward in addressing the financial problems facing many farmers, although it was felt farmers might be worried about change.

"The problem with farming is that the farmers have always been used to having a market out there for their beef and milk. I think you are doing a wonderful job but I also think you are going to find you have a hell of a hill to climb," said authority member Alec Dinsdale.

Members agreed the authority should continue to support the working group and the Northern Dales Meat Initiative through information sharing and practical assistance given to the project officer, who is to be appointed this month.

Mr Heseltine added: "This is one of the most interesting working groups that has been formed. It is only by partnerships and pulling together that will make it work."

The progress of the group will be closely monitored and will be discussed regularly by members.

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