They will be encouraged to try other sidelines, from ice cream businesses to dog training to help make ends meet.

The cash is being provided by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

It will be holding a number of clinics throughout the region to give farmers advice on setting up new businesses.

Around 6,900 farmers in the region have already expanded their businesses into other areas and last year Defra's Rural Development Service (RDS) paid out �4m to help kick-start new ventures.

Business ideas

This led to the creation of 240 new jobs and the safeguarding of a further 250.

"Many farmers across the region have already proved they have the entrepreneurial spirit, drive and determination to diversify," said Robert Aubrook, senior advisor for RDS in the North East.

"We have supported a wide range of new businesses from micro-breweries to ice cream parlours and even a beauty therapy day spa.

"We are now keen to support more innovative business ideas that can help sustain farms."

The first clinic will be held on 21 October, at the Business Link offices, in Newgate Street, Morpeth, Northumberland from 0900 until 1730 BST.