IF livestock farmers are to become involved in the fight against climate change then it will have to be on an economically viable footing - according to David Fursdon, president of the Country Land and Business Association.

Mr Fursdon, who farms in Devon, has told Rural Affairs Minister, Jonathan Shaw, that there is no spare money available within the sector to invest in emissions busting technology.

"The West Country is livestock country - livestock is what makes the view, it is what makes the West Country the beautiful place it is and that, in turn, is what makes the tourism industry, so it is a vital part of our regional economy. Livestock grazing -whether it is on the moors, the heath or the chalk downs - makes a major contribution to the biodivesity of the region. But the idea that part of the battle to manage climate change will involve costly controls on livestock emissions is deeply worrying to livestock farmers," he said.

Mr Shaw visited Mr Fursdon on his Devon estate on the eve of a conference on anaerobic digestion to hear about the key issues confronting landowners.

Mr Fursdon said that the meeting had been constructive and had laid the foundations for further discussion on issues such as coastal access and rural housing.