DEVON County Show 2001, which opens today, is to be used as a springboard to help the county's economic recovery from foot and mouth — and launch a campaign to help move Devon Forward.
Devon County Council have joined with many other agencies to produce a stand — Devon Forward — which, with the funding and support of the Regional Development Agency, the Countryside Agency and Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks, put tourism, the countryside and local producers at centre stage.
A campaign to give local people the chance to help contribute directly to the country's recovery will also be launched through a special Devon Forward leaflet — and a Pledge for Devon scheme.
The eye-catching main stand has been designed with a 'countryside' theme and will concentrate on public rights of way, tourism and the Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks.
Against a backdrop of a huge and colourful photo montage of life in the countryside there will be a selection of picnic tables, gates, stiles and pathways through display areas.
The stand will also signpost a range of business advisers available at the show to give local farmers and businesses practical advice and support.
The show is also to be used to launch a countrywide pledge scheme to encourage people living and working in Devon to give their direct support to the local community.
The Pledge for Devon scheme, already taken up by many county council and Devon Fire and Rescue Service employees, will give the opportunity for people to publicly 'pledge' an action or series of actions for Devon.
This could include visiting an attraction or different part of the county to buying as much locally produced food, drink or goods as possible.
Devon County Council's executive member with responsibility for economic regeneration, Councillor Derrick Spear, said this year's Devon County Show is a vital stepping stone on the road to recovery in the county.
'The Devon Forward stand has been put together in partnership with many agencies across the county.
'It is designed to be eye-catching, entertaining and really capture the spirit of recovery with positive images of the countryside, tourism and top quality local produce,' he said.