NORTH Yorkshire farmers hit by foot and mouth disease are to be offered free planning advice to make alternative use of their land.
Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael said they would be entitled to a day of a planning consultant's time - worth up to £800.
Mr Michael said they may want to open bed and breakfasts or shops instead of carrying on with farming.
The minister said: "We are determined to give farmers vital help and the support they need for diversifying their businesses as a consequence of foot and mouth, and more generally failing economic returns.
"They may well want to move from traditional crop or livestock production into different forms of farming or activities completely outside farming. These could be farm shops and tourism activities like bed and breakfast. Farmers who want to take up the offer must prepare a summary of what they want to do, and then contact their local DEFRA office.
Further information is available from DEFRA offices or on the department's
website - www.defra.gov.uk
Updated: 10:51 Saturday, September 15, 2001
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