SIR Don Curry is to chair a meeting about the future of red meat production in the North-East.

A Northumberland far-mer and chairman of the Government's Sustainable Farming and Food Implementation Group, Sir Don will attend the last in a series of special seminars at Hexham Mart on Tuesday, February 22.

Reform of the CAP and the new Farm Advice Unit will be the focus of the event, which offers farmers a chance to listen and to have their say on how they think their industry should develop in the region.

"The sustainability of the farming industry in the North-East is heavily dependent on the red meat sector," said Sir Don. "This sector is facing very serious competitive pressures and it is essential that we explore solutions to address the challenges ahead.

"There are many opportunities open to farmers and it is important that we make the most of them."

The seminars have been the first stage of a new red meat project, a unique initiative driven by Hexham Auction Mart, Tynedale Council, Defra's Rural Development Service and One Northeast, and which forms part of the North-East Sustainable Farming and Food Strategy.

The project aims to boost the productivity of the region's livestock producers by promoting networking opportunities and providing up-to-date information on issues affecting farming.

Susie Craddock, the region's SFFS co-ordinator, was delighted Sir Don had agreed to chair the seminar. "As a local farmer, he understands the industry in the region and, as chairman of the SFFS Implementation Group, he is in a unique position to discuss how he sees things in the future," she said.

The free event at Hexham Mart starts at 6.30 on Tuesday, February 22.