DALES farmers are being urged to diversify to protect traditional crafts and skills and boost the prosperity of a region that was hit badly by the foot and mouth epidemic.

Chief executive of the Wear Valley Development Agency Paul Robinson fears for the future of "home-grown" recipes and farming methods that have been passed down through generations.

Ironically, the traditional techniques are in danger of dying out at a time when Government funds are available to encourage their growth.

"We need to get farmers thinking forward but looking back, " said Mr Robinson, who heads the agency, a body which helps access European and Government funding to meet start-up costs or develop existing businesses.

"Diversifying isn't just about trying to convert redundant farm buildings, it's a way of spreading the risk should there ever be another farming disaster such as foot and mouth. By diversifying into what they know best, farmers have a good chance of accessing Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) funding and protecting a vital part of the Dales' heritage."

The agency has helped one Weardale farmer diversify and obtain Defra funding.

Disaster struck early in the foot and mouth crisis for David Pike, of Bowlees Farm, near Wolsingham, when the first officially registered organic farm in County Durham was wiped out as his stock of pigs, goats and cows had to be slaughtered.

But Mr Pike, a former steel worker, is fighting back and workmen will start building a tearoom and cafe next month, transforming the restocked farm into a tourist attraction.

A new farm road has also been laid in a scheme that is expected to cost £84,000, 50 per cent of which has been provided by Defra.

"The agency was great in helping me in my approach to Defra and setting up meetings in relation to the rural diversification scheme, " Mr Pike said.

Bowlees Farm will be one of dozens of quality food producers exhibiting at the first Wear Valley Food Festival, being held at Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland on Saturday, April 10. Call the castle on (01388) 601627 for details.