DURING a visit to Upton this week Government minister Lord Whitty of Camberwell praised the owners of Clive's Fruit Farm.

The under-secretary of state for food, farming and sustainable energy said he was hugely impressed by the way Charlie and Jane Clive had diversified the business with the help of Government grants.

The Clives used to offer a Pick Your Own service and sell apples wholesale, but after a downturn in prices they began producing fruit juice, extended their farm shop and opened a children's nursery.

Lord Whitty's visit was to see how the Government had helped farmers diversify.

"You have to see successful examples of how you do it so you can really see where your schemes are working," he said.

"I've seen how our grants can work positively and some of the problems in accessing the grants which we've got to overcome."

Lord Whitty admitted that rural recovery would be slow and difficult for some farmers.

"There are still structural changes which need to be made for farmers to make an effective profit," he said.

He urged farmers trying to diversify to look at their business and develop ideas while working with Defra's rural development service in Worcester to see if the Government could help.

Jane Clive said: "I thought it was great that he came to see us, to be used as a role model for other farmers.

"If you set your mind to it and want to succeed then you get on and do it."

For advice on diversification, call Defra on 01905 763355.