Thirsk and Malton MP to serve as Gove's secretary

Kevin Hollinrake, the Conservative MP for Thirsk and Malton, was named as the new Environment Secretary’s right-hand man this week as Mr Gove continued his tour of the seasonal show circuit which could yet see him call in at the Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate in a little more than a fortnight’s time.

Mr Hollinrake announced his appointment on his constituency website.

The MP was previously the parliamentary private secretary to David Lidington MP when he was Leader of the House of Commons.

Mr Hollinrake said: “I am honoured to be appointed as the Parliamentary Private Secretary to Michael Gove who is seen as one of the leading members in the Prime Minister’s cabinet.

“The food, farming and fishing sector is absolutely a key industry in the Thirsk and Malton Constituency and I am delighted to have the opportunity to represent their interests wherever I can over this crucial period.”

Mr Gove, who welcomed his colleague’s appointment in a tweet, visited the Royal Norfolk Show on Wednesday where he met with researchers and businesses at the event’s Innovation Hub to find out more about new agricultural research and the industry’s emerging technologies.

Among the advances that were showcased in Norfolk, was a ‘FitBit for cows’ that provides real time information on the health of a herd.

Mr Gove was also given a demonstration of how ‘agrimetrics’ data can support farmers and boost food production.

Speaking at the show, the Environment Secretary acknowledged how technological advances will shape the industry’s future.

Mr Gove said: “Emerging technologies will play a vital role in boosting productivity and growth, unlocking the full potential of our farming industry as we adapt to a rapidly changing world and maintain our leading role on the global stage outside the European Union.”

He also praised the East of England for being is a real hotbed of agricultural innovation.

Mr Gove was asked about the availability of skilled seasonal labour post-Brexit - a major concern for the horticulture sector - in a television interview at the show, and he said: “As for the specific needs of the agricultural economy when it comes to seasonal workers, the advisory committee that lets government know what the economy needs will look at the needs of the economy and will report back on exactly what we need to do in order to make sure that our economy is strengthened, not weakened, as we leave (the EU).”

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and the Yorkshire Agricultural Society has been “working hard” to secure Mr Gove’s attendance at the Great Yorkshire Show, Charles Mills, the show’s director, told The Yorkshire Post last week.

Mr Mills said he was hopeful that as many politicians as possible make a visit to the 159th show on July 11-13.

Key rural figures due to attend the showpiece include deputy president of the National Farmers’ Union, Minette Batters, and the president of the Country Land and Business Association, Ross Murray.

Ms Batters’ colleague, the NFU’s president Meurig Raymond was involved in separate talks this week as he continued his mission to raise the profile of farming as Britain prepares for its exit from the European Union.

Mr Raymond met with representatives of the British Bankers Association to talk about the financial future for farms post-Brexit.

Ahead of the discussions, he said: “Today’s meeting is a fantastic chance to discuss the farming sector’s aspirations post-Brexit with major UK banks, and emphasise the important part that they play in securing a profitable future for farming.

“Farming businesses will be operating in new political settings – and that means that we’re not clear on what the future holds for trade deals, regulation, access to labour or what a domestic agricultural policy looks like.

“But one thing is for certain: what farming needs, and what the country needs, is profitable, productive and progressive businesses as we leave the EU. The need for farming businesses to invest has never been greater.”

Mr Raymond added: “Farming will continue to be a vibrant and dynamic industry, one that grabs innovation with both hands and uses it to increase the bottom line. It’s important that we gain recognition of this from the banks round the table today, and we hope to have their continued support for such a vital industry.”