Tourism overtakes farming

MORE MONEY is being made from farm tourism than from traditional farming in the north, according to a survey of 600 of the region‘s farmers.

Figures showed the average income from tourism was £60,000.

Although farm tourism was hit badly during the foot and mouth crisis, its remarkable recovery has confirmed its key role in the future of farm incomes.

Chris Collier, chief executive of Cumbria Tourist Board, described farm tourism as “changing the face of the rural economy”.

“Things are moving way beyond farmhouse bed and breakfast,” said Mr Collier.

The survey has shown that bigger, innovative tourism-led activities provide the highest turnover.

The average turnover for farmers in this category was £243,875 compared with traditional bed and breakfast businesses turning over £26,212.

The average gross profit for individual operators across all sectors was £20,853.

So far £642,000 has been invested via grants to support farm tourism ventures.

Pauline Young, whose family farms near Cockermouth, Cumbria, is creating a bird-watching centre and tropical bird house.

“We have to diversify if we want to continue farming. There isn‘t enough money from traditional farming,” said Mrs Young.

The survey was commissioned by Cumbria Tourist Board, Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency and funded by the North West Development Agency.