FOOD link projects operating in parts of Somerset and Devon to encourage food to be produced locally for local people could be extended to cover Exmoor.

National park authority members agreed in principle to help set up a scheme on the moor.

Farm liaison officer Kate West said an Exmoor project could join up with the two existing schemes to the benefit of local farmers and producers.

Although it was not directly related to the purpose of the national park, it would help conserve and enhance Exmoor's natural beauty by supporting local agriculture and sustainable land management.

She said the concept of developing a thriving local trade in food and land-based produce was an admirable aim.

However, the existing schemes were limited to operating within their funding areas, which could restrict the development of local and countywide networks.

Both projects had another two years to run under their present funding arrangements and were already proving successful in supporting farmers' markets and other producers' co-operative ventures, as well as assisting individuals.