FARMERS in Ryedale are calling for more support as they try to set up diversification schemes to protect their livelihoods.

Plans to move away from traditional agriculture and into other enterprises such as tourism have been put forward by rural businesses across the district.

But there are concerns that district council policies must also move with the times and encourage farmers to look at ways of investing in the countryside in areas other than farming.

Derek Watson, county chairman for the National Farmers' Union (NFU), said there needed to be more joined-up thinking on farm diversification schemes.

"Certainly the NFU has been concerned for a while and has made noises to central government and other key organisations that the policies want joining up a bit more," he said.

"We are told to diversify and given incentives but then are often turned down at the planning stage."

Mr Watson, who farms at West Knapton, outside Malton, said: "Farmers are not really diversifying because they want to, but because they have got to."

He added: "I think it's heart-warming to hear that the planning committee is warming a little bit more to farmers diversifying because it's a big problem"

Ryedale District Council member Alan Farnaby, who sits on the central area planning committee, said councillors were trying their hardest to support the rural community.

"Quite a number of us are looking to see just how the planning policy maybe needs to be changed in light of recent recommendations on plans relating to farm diversification," he said.

"I am not criticising our planning officers who have to follow planning guidelines, but I feel really strongly that we ought to be trying to help."

He added: "Farmers are struggling, and in a rural economy such as Ryedale we need to give all the help we can."

Senior planning officer Paul Simpson said it was important to remember that each planning application had to be considered on its own merits.

"I think the authority is quite supportive of farm diversification schemes, but that does not mean they have carte blanche to produce whatever they want," he said.

"We need to offer a balance on whether the benefits will outweigh the negative elements. The policy does not say that all farm diversification schemes are acceptable - sometimes some of the schemes don't meet all of the criteria."

Updated: 10:11 Wednesday, September 18, 2002