Sir Don meets local farmers; farming.

SUSTAINABLE farming and food champion Sir Don Curry was in Teesdale to find out how the Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food (SSFF) is being delivered across the region.

During his visit he met with local farmers and producers to hear about key issues and challenges facing the industry.

Sir Don then paid a visit to Bowes Moor and Gracies Farm near Barnard Castle to discuss the benefits of Higher Level Stewardship Agreements.

Sir Don's visit is one of a series to the English regions.

He said: "Regional visits such as this one to County Durham allow me to see at first hand how the Sustainable Farming and Food Strategy is being delivered on the ground.

"The sustainability of upland farming in the wake of the foot-and-mouth epidemic is of deep concern.

"Today I've had the opportunity to discuss with local farmers and producers from across the region what their concerns and challenges are as well as find out what is working well for them.

"The work to establish stewardship schemes at Gracies Farm and Bowes Moor where I visited yesterday is an excellent example of how we are helping farmers to protect their historic, natural habitat for the future.

The Sustainable Farming and Food Strategy was established in 2003 following Sir Don's report into the future of the industry - "Farming and Food, a Sustainable Future," also known as the Curry report.

A steering group was set up in each English region to develop and oversee a regional Sustainable Farming and Food Action Plan with an independent chairperson responsible for driving forward the plan.

CAPTION(S):

CHAMPION: Sir Don Curry visited the region to hear how the SSFF is being delivered.