MAJOR farming organisations have joined together to call on the Government to commit to a healthy future for the industry.

A new collaboration called Grow Yorkshire, co-ordinated by the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding (YNYER) Local Enterprise Partnership, has been established to act as a positive voice for the industry.

The group has written an open letter to the Government calling for practical support to be offered to farmers to ensure a positive future after Brexit.

The letter, signed by a range of relevant organisations including the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, NFU and CLA, will be sent to the Minister at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Robert Goodwill, the MP for Scarborough and Whitby.

It calls for the Government to recognise the needs of the sector and to work with Grow Yorkshire to achieve them.

These include providing business planning support, guidance on income opportunities, managing change and encouraging farming and food innovation.

A dedicated Grow Yorkshire website will also act as a hub where farmers and businesses can find information and access to support, including training and funding opportunities.

David Kerfoot, chairman of YNYER LEP, said: “Grow Yorkshire is taking a pioneering approach to help deliver a positive future for our farmers and rural communities.

“We have invited Robert Goodwill and other senior Government representatives to meet with us so that we can positively take our priorities forward.

“We look forward to working collaboratively with the Government for the benefit of the rural economy and the many thousands of people and businesses whose livelihoods depend on it.”

Backing the campaign, Adam Bedford, North East regional director at the NFU, said: “We work with thousands of farmers across Yorkshire and the North-East and we know how creative and innovative they can be.

“Farmers are very focused on what changes will mean for their business in what is an uncertain time and are trying to prepare and plan ahead.

“The collaborative approach through Grow Yorkshire to focus on helping farm businesses become more profitable for the long term is very welcome.”