RYEDALE farmers are being invited to attend a seminar to help them diversify.

The event, which is being staged in Norton by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), aims to show farms various ways they can expand their existing business.

A spokesman said: "For farmers who wish to apply for support under the England Rural Development Programme (ERDP), follow-up workshops are also being organised.

"Among the speakers will be an ex-farmer Sam Blacker, whose experience of retailing produce from his and other farms has become a full-time job.

"Richard Blomfield will also be talking about how he set up a business bottling spring water with a grant from the ERDP.

"DEFRA representatives will explain the grant options under the ten schemes which make up the ERDP."

The talk, which has been organised by the Malton & District Training Group, will also explore options for undertaking training and carrying out environmental improvements to farms.

The follow-up workshops will focus on farmers who already have well-formed ideas and who need assistance applying for grant aid.

The event will be held at the Ryedale Indoor Bowls Club, Bowling Lane, Norton, on Wednesday, starting at 10.15am and ending at about 3pm.

There is no charge, but places are limited so anyone interested is asked to book by phoning 01944 758379.

Updated: 08:41 Friday, February 08, 2002