RURAL affairs minister Alun Michael this week pledged his support for the Devon recovery plan following last year's foot and mouth crisis.
Following a lobby by an all-party Devon delegation in London on Monday the minister promised to help cut red tape to ensure financial assistance for farmers and small businesses could be accessed more easily .
David Incoll, chief executive of West Devon Borough Council, joined the meeting at the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) headquarters.
Mr Incoll described the meeting as 'very useful'.
He said he told Mr Michael of the difficulties faced by local livestock markets wanting to re-open.
'I stressed that new rules and requirements for improved bio-security would cost operators additional money, at a time when their income was low or non-existent.
'The minister recognised the contribution of local markets to the rural economy and their crucial role for small livestock farmers,' said Mr Incoll.
He said the minister also aimed to pilot new ideas for improving the local economy and that his department would soon be launching a major campaign to promote the countryside.
The Devon delegation was led by leaders of the county council's main political groups, the council chief executive and the head of the Devon foot and mouth recovery unit.
They presented Mr Michael with a 'hamper of hope' containing locally-produced food and drink, highlighting the importance of Devon's producers and markets.