A TRAFFORD farmer had the chance to voice his concerns for the future to an agriculture minister last week.

For Dunham-based Alan Clare received a visit from Minister Joyce Quin to launch a new Government initiative for the farm industry.

And he was able to tell Ms Quin about the problems he faces as farming moves into the 21st century.

Redhouse Farm was chosen as the base for the North West regional launch of the Rural Development Plan because it is already advancing thanks to a successful farm shop and its' involvement in the Countryside Stewardship scheme.

But Alan - who has been running the farm since 1983 - says that a lot more will need to be done to boost the British industry.

He told SAM: "Farming has changed so much over the past few years and any sort of help that we can get from the Government is welcome.

"But we are going to need massive support from all quarters if we are to compete with our counterparts from Europe and the USA."

The new strategy will see a cash injection of £1.6 billion over the next seven years as New Labour aims to boost the country's flagging rural economy.

Alan went on: "The whole pattern of farming has changed and we are moving in the direction of becoming more involved in environmental issues and selling our products.

"But even if this scheme survives, it might not stop farmers like me from going under. It is no good just bleating about the matter, we need help."

Alan says that he has seen a dramatic change in the 17 years he has been in charge, so much so that the farm shop now accounts for two thirds of the annual turnover.

He went on: "It is a critical issue and it is a real headache trying to compete with all the red-tape that is put in our way.

"We need a new direction but I am sorry to say that the more politicians interfere with our livelihoods, the worse it seems to become."

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.