From Pam Newby, Exeter 383654, May 13,2008

Bespoke IT training for food producers is on offer from Devon County Council.

The Council is working with Devon Renaissance and local food groups to provide the training and also grants towards the cost of software.

This project has been developed on the back of a major study which looked at how public money could best be used to support the food and drink sector. The study identified that IT can help producers to simplify production processes, develop their products and exploit new distribution channels (such as online purchasing), but its adoption is very low.

The bespoke training costing £6 per person will be tailored according to the level of skills and needs. Advice will also be given on the best software for the food and drink sector together with help with the cost.

It is hoped that by assisting producers improve their IT skills, Devon's food and drink sector become more IT literate. This will strengthen Devon's economy and encourage more people in the county to buy more local food.

One company which has reaped the rewards of using IT is Devon Rose Free Range Meats of Seaton.

"Using IT has allowed our business to grow at a rate that just wouldn't have been possible using paper-based systems. Launching our own website, for instance, has been a great help to us in generating additional income streams as it's made our products accessible to a much wider market, not just people in our local area," said Richard Dean.

Producers can find out more by attending free workshops where they can discuss their needs, arrange training and find out how other producers have revolutionised their ways of working by using IT.

Workshop dates and locations are:

Thurs 19 June Tiverton 8 - 11am

Thurs 26 June Thurlestone 5.30 - 8.30pm

Tues 1 July Exeter 5.30 - 8.30 pm

Wed 9th July Barnstaple 8 - 11am

Wed 17 September South Molton 5.30 - 8.30 pm

Tues 23 September Dartmoor 8 - 11am

Wed 1 October Bovey Tracey 6 - 9pm

Wed 8 October Okehampton 8 - 11am

To book places, producers should call 01392 382837.

Note to Editors:

Devon Renaissance is a not-for-profit partnership of the private sector, local authorities and community-based organisations. Funded primarily by the South West Regional Development Agency, the programme provides grant funding in order to help create prosperity and jobs and improve access to services in rural areas.

For more information contact the Media PR Service on 01392 383654 or 383262.