Farmers in Yorkshire are the backbone of the countryside, we will continue to support them - Thérèse Coffey

It has been a busy two months since then, with plenty of time spent at agricultural shows across the UK hearing directly from farmers, and we will continue to use these conversations to shape how we deliver these measures so they work in the best way for farmers.

It was a pleasure to attend the Great Yorkshire Show on the outskirts of Harrogate this week, where I had a packed day soaking up the sights and sounds of the show and meeting a few of the 50,000 people employed across the county in farming and food processing.

It is from these people, working day in and day out to get food on our plates, that I can hear the ground truth on the topics that really matter for the industry. One of the highlights of the day for me was taking part in a roundtable hosted by the Future Farmers of Yorkshire – a group of not only farmers, but also vets and industry supporters from across the county.

As my Farming Minister, Mark Spencer, was once President of the Young Farmers’ Club, I know how important it is for young farmers – who will shape the industry in the decades to come - to use events such as agricultural shows to have their views heard.

Visiting the show on the first day, he announced further details on new regulations to promote fairness, transparency and accountability across the dairy supply chain, a key commitment made at the Farm to Fork Summit.

We are also providing broader support for farmers through our new farming schemes and grant funding to promote research and innovation to boost sustainable food production. This includes our £31m Farming Equipment and Technology Fund to improve productivity and efficiency, and our upcoming £5m Farming Innovation Investor Partnership Competition blending grant funding with private investment to drive forward innovation on farms.

And for our upland and moorland farmers, who are the custodians of some of Yorkshire’s most iconic landscapes, we have made our schemes more accessible and increased payment rates. This will ensure their interests are protected as we deliver on our pledge to ensure there is something for every type of farmer in our new farming schemes.

Farmers, including those in the Yorkshire Dales, Moors, Wolds and surrounding areas, are the backbone of our countryside, keeping food on our plates while protecting some of our most important landscapes. I will continue to drive forward the commitments we have made to support our rural communities and ensure the long-term resilience of British farming.

Thérèse Coffey is Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.