People who are involved in farm tourism really do have to like people

Malcolm Bell, South West Tourism

Bridget Cole, from Devon, has operated her own farm and bed and breakfast for 23 years.

But in the past year she has decided that this form of diversification no longer works.

She said the attention needed to run both businesses is too great, so she is going back into farming full-time.

She said: "There was a bit of a misnomer in the late '80s and early '90s that diversification in farming was the main thing.

"But at the end of the day, you can't do two jobs efficiently, you can only do one efficiently."

A survey on rural development by South West Tourism shows a significant number of farmers across the South West are pulling out of tourism.

Of the 9% who offered B&B, 7% have now pulled out.

South West Tourism carried out the survey

The survey also said that nine out of 10 ventures were started without a business plan, which was considered to be the biggest reason for failure.

Many farmers also said they did not want tourism at all.

Malcolm Bell of South West Tourism said: "You have to be very careful that people want to go into tourism with their eyes open.

"Secondly, you have to keep the supply and demand in balance.

"Third, people who are involved in farm tourism really do have to like people."

Established farm tourism centres, such as the Pennywell Farm near Plymouth, have become a vital part of the local economy.

Pennywell manager Chris Murray said: "It's the joy of seeing happy people which is the real key."

Profitable industry

But there is a fear that the market will become devalued and saturated if too many farms are encouraged to diversify.

Just offering a bed for the night is no longer enough to satisfy visitors or to save a struggling farm.

Farmers say the real solution could be just to make their own industry more profitable.

Diversification can too often make them invest money that they do not have into a venture that might fail.