SINGLE Farm Payment issues are occupying every farmer's thoughts, as well as covering kitchen tables and filing cabinets with paper, and more than 50 farmers filled Masham Methodist Hall for a meeting to grapple with the complexities of cross compliance and environmental stewardship schemes.

The meeting, held by courtesy of the Rev Elizabeth Clark, was organised by Bob Baker, rural development officer for the Northern Dales, through the Church Regional Commission and Farm Crisis Network.

Mrs Clark, rural chaplain for the Masham district, is fully conversant with the difficulties farmers are facing and is a familiar figure at local auction marts and discussion groups.

Mr Baker, whose area mainly covers Wensleydale, Swaledale and Arkengarthdale, has forged links with organisations able to help farmers to develop their businesses or to find alternative work and employment where small farms have become non-viable as full-time providers.

Speakers at the meeting included Jonathon Jessop of Robin Jessop, sorting the facts from the fiction; Robert Dunning of Kenneth Easby & Co, Accountants, of Bedale on financial implications; a farmer, Nick Broadwith, with an account of "how will it affect me and what will I do?" and Bob Baker, with an overview and how it would affect the countryside and who could help.

Local farmer Mark Sampson of Well, Bedale, said that the meeting was extremely useful.

Refreshments were provided by the church.

A further meeting organised by Mr Baker and the Rev Sue Whitehouse will be held at West Burton Village Hall on April 14 at 7pm. All farmers are welcome; contact Mr Baker for tickets.