DEBBIE Moore has recently taken up the position of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's (DARD) Rural Connect Adviser covering West Tyrone, based at Sperrin House, Omagh.

Following graduation from the University College of North Wales, Bangor, where she obtained a BSc (Hons) degree in Agricultural Botany, Debbie went on to study for an MSc in Horticulture at Bath. She started her working career with DARD in 1980, looking at ways to improve mushroom production. Since then Debbie has enjoyed several different jobs including time as a Horticultural Adviser, teaching at Greenmount Campus and implementing the Focus Farm scheme under the EU Peace Programme.

Rural Connect undertakes the role of 'connecting' farming families to DARD services and other public funding programmes and services. Rural Connect have a special interest in farm diversification and are available to discuss diversification ideas with interested farmers and farm family members. Many of these families have already taken advantage of the support offered in planning and developing new businesses on farm.

Originally from Fermanagh, Debbie is looking forward to the challenge of her new post in West Tyrone. Debbie can be contacted by phone on (028) 8225 3405, or e-mail Debbie.Moore@dardni.gov.uk.

Alternatively, if you have a query about a DARD Service or wish to discuss a diversification idea contact your local Rural Connect Adviser on 028 9052 4406.