North east rural chief follows Oregon trail

The woman heading One NorthEast's rural team is widening her horizons to learn lessons from the US about farming practices, fisheries and forestry, winning a coveted Travelling Fellowship from the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust.

Frances Rowe, One NorthEast's rural and environment manager, is one of just 100 people in Britain to be awarded a fellowship through the Trust this year, which will fund a study tour to Wisconsin, Oregon and California.

The Fellowships, set up in memory of Sir Winston Churchill, enable men and women from all walks of life to gain knowledge and experience abroad. They aim to give Britons a better understanding of the lives and different cultures of people overseas and support projects that will be of benefit to their community and to the UK on their return.

Frances is using her Fellowship to gain an insight into American agricultural methods and, in particular, how farmers' markets and quality food cooperatives are boosting local rural communities.

One NorthEast has recently invested nearly £800,00 into developing the regional food group, Northumbria Larder, which aims to increase awareness of, and demand for, the region's distinctive food and drink products.

By visiting California, home to some of the world's largest farmers' markets, Frances hopes she will be able to shape work back in the North East.

Frances explains: "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."

During her six-week tour Frances will also visit the University of Wisconsin to see how local universities work to benefit rural communities and look at two projects in Oregon that are bolstering the state's forestry and fishing industries.

Frances added: "I'm delighted that I have been selected for a Travelling Fellowship. It is a superb opportunity for me both personally and professionally, to develop and get new ideas that I can bring back home to benefit our region."

One NorthEast's rural and environment team administers a £20m programme of support in rural areas of the region that includes the regeneration of market towns, development of the food and farming sector and investment in biomass and energy crops.

Pat Ritchie, director of strategy and development at One NorthEast added: "To be selected as one of just 100 Churchill Fellows across the UK this year is a great accolade for Frances and a measure of the impact that her learning will make when she returns in September."

Frances is a former chair of the Northumberland National Park Authority and was on the national board of the Countryside Agency.