FARMERS and landowners in North and East Yorkshire are being offered more money to encourage diversification and the creation of new jobs in the countryside.

The regional development agency in the county, Yorkshire Forward, has details of new grant aid available to convert redundant farm buildings into business use.

"It is a special measure to help farmers diversify and sustain the rural economy," said Dorothy Fairburn, regional director for the Country Landowners Association (CLA) in Yorkshire.

"It is available up until March next year. Farmers who think this deadline is too tight should still contact Yorkshire Forward as this will help them lobby to extend the date.

"Rural business grant assistance is available across the whole county and the grant ceiling is up from 25pc cent to 40pc, which is a big boon to those who can put up their own money or borrow it to ensure an alternative income.

"CLA members who need to talk about what they have in mind can get advice from us but all details about the scheme must come from Yorkshire Forward."

Miss Fairburn said that more and more farmers were seeking to diversify their business and the CLA was keen to see this happen.

"It can cost a lot of money to change course but farmers do have to move with the times and we will be spending more time with the planners explaining why this change of direction is so necessary."

To contact Yorkshire Forward, ring (01904) 693335.