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To expand the work of Somerset Food Links into the west of the county and beyond a new project has just begun (February 2003). Jane Gilbert, the Project Officer, covers the West Somerset District and the Quantocks AONB and Exmoor National Park, and so covers parts of North Devon.

The support Jane will be able to give to businesses is very similar to that available throughout the rest of the Somerset Food Links areas with a few tweaks and additions, which take into account the nature of the project area and the importance of tourism. For example, she is supporting the Exmoor Food Festival and other marketing initiatives, which link producers closely to the tourism industry. Also there are business development grants available to help businesses to purchase equipment or services to make their businesses more sustainable. One of the first projects to be undertaken is a feasibility study to look at the best way to develop the distribution of local produce in the area.

This work is funded by the European Regional Development Programme, Exmoor National Park Authority, Quantocks Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, West Somerset District Council and Somerset Food Links.