A FARMING couple from West Auckland were among dozens from across the country to take part in a special event in London yesterday.
The event, at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) headquarters, was to showcase the opportunities for British farmers to diversify.
Foodwise 2003 featured producers from around the country who have generated income through diversification.
Among those taking part were husband and wife Matthew and Tracy Betney, of Broom Mill Farm, West Auckland.
The couple received a 50 per cent Rural Enterprise Scheme grant from Defra worth more than £27,000 to help them convert a redundant farm building into a food processing facility. This has enabled them to expand their range of meat products to include smoked and cooked meat, salami and smoked sausage.
Mr Betney said: "The Rural Enterprise Scheme grant has provided us with the ideal opportunity to expand our business.
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