The Government office for Yorkshire and Humberside has launched a plan to provide a profitable future for regional farmers and food producers.
It was launched at the Great Yorkshire Show on behalf of Yorkshire Forward and a steering group made up of regional stake- holders who developed the plan. It aims to improve several areas.
The region's farming business will need to become more dynamic and diverse.
It states that local produce should be the first choice for all for value and health.
It aims to advise how farmers can manage and maintain the beautiful local countryside.
Most importantly it is devised to build strong thriving communities across the region.
Gordon Kingston, rural director at the government office for Yorkshire and the Humber said: "Following foot and mouth disease there is a recognition that farming is fundamental to the health of the rural economy and that the rural economy is vital to the economic activity of the whole region. This plan outlines fundamental changes which the region agrees must be put in place if the decline in the food and farming sector is to be turned around.
"It is essential that we rebuild the links between the food producer and the consumer, but we also have to ensure that the food they produce is easily accessible to the public, through local shops, farmers' markets and restaurants."
Updated: 08:41 Thursday, July 10, 2003
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