Changes to subsidy support will be one of the key topics under discussion as Sir Don Curry heads a seminar for red meat producers across the North East next week.

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

Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy will be under discussion as Ciaran Gannon of the Rural Development Service talks about "Responding to change - a practical guide for farmers" in which he will put into perspective changes to subsidy support.

Mr Gannon said:

"Farmers need to prioritise the information they are receiving and put all the talk about radical change into the context of their own business."

The event offers farmers a chance to listen and have their own say on how they think their industry should develop in the region.

Sir Don Curry said:

"The sustainability of the farming industry in the north east is heavily dependent on the red meat sector. 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 are the first stage of a new red meat project, a unique initiative that has been driven by Hexham Auction Mart, Tynedale Council, the Rural Development Service (North East) and One Northeast, and forms part of the North East Sustainable Farming and Food Strategy (SFFS).

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 that affect farming today.

Susie Craddock, the region's SFFS co-ordinator - a post funded by the Rural Development Service (North East) and One NorthEast - said:

"We're delighted Sir Don has agreed to chair this important event. 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.

"Obviously, there are changes ahead that will affect farmers, but we're keen to bring farmers and other interested parties together to look for opportunities that can be exploited to ensure red meat production in the region continues and farmers get the best price for their products.

"And while this may be the last in our series of seminars, it's really only the start - in partnership with the industry we are looking for ways in which we can develop the red meat sector, within the national framework for the benefit for all "

The free event at Hexham Mart starts at 7.00pm on Tuesday, 22 February 2005. For more information, contact Susie Craddock on 0191 202 5507 or email: Susie.craddock@defra.gsi.gov.uk.

* Launched in December 2002, the national Sustainable Farming and Food Strategy builds on the work of the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food, led by Sir Don Curry, and was backed by £500 million from the Government over three years.

The Strategy identifies how the Government will work with the whole of the food chain to establish a profitable, competitive and efficient farming and food sector which protects and enhances our countryside and produces healthy food valued by and accessible to consumers.