A rural expert from the north-east of England is heading across the Atlantic to learn about pioneering projects which are boosting local economies. Frances Rowe, One NorthEast's rural and environment manager, has been awarded a Travelling Fellowship from the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust.
She will travel to Wisconsin, Oregon and California, where farmers' markets and food co-operatives are flourishing.
It is hoped that she will be able to develop similar projects on her return.
She said: "In terms of supporting local producers and educating people about the benefits of quality food - the US is really streets ahead and there will be many lessons to learn.
"I will be meeting with organisers of farmers' markets, retailers, co-operatives and public bodies to understand better how to develop educational programmes around food, improving the standards and professionalism of markets and strengthening local supply chains."
One NorthEast has recently invested nearly �800,000 in developing the regional food group, Northumbria Larder, which aims to increase awareness of, and demand for, the region's distinctive food and drink products.
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