LOWLAND farmers whose land is frequently hit by floods could be in line for a better deal.

A leading North Yorkshire councillor has called for the Government to set up a National Food Strategy to help the landowners.

Coun Pamela Anderson, of Swinton, near Malton, wants Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael to establish a strategy which she says could have considerable benefits to Ryedale landowners.

Coun Anderson, chairman of Ryedale District Council's overview and scrutiny committee, made the call following an in-depth look by the committee into land drainage problems in the authority's vast rural area.

Landowners, farmers, representatives of the Environment Agency, Internal Drainage Boards, consultants appointed by the council, and Professor Roy Ward of the National Food Forum gave evidence to the committee and a sub group was formed to pursue opportunities.

Coun Anderson said a food strategy would recognise the importance of maintaining good quality farming land while at the same time highlighting opportunities for diversification.

The Environment Agency told the committee it had to give priority to the safety of the public in floods.

But Coun Anderson said: "Farmers livelihoods are threatened when they lose crops as many have done in recent years."

She envisages leisure opportunities being created where land became flooded regularly and as a result unsuitable for crops, with shooting and water recreation.

"They could become part of a farmer's income," she said.