THE region's food and farming leaders used the Great Yorkshire Show to call on the Government to come up with a plan to ensure the future of their industry following Britain's decision to leave the European Union.

They warned agriculture, horticulture and food production was facing its biggest challenge for decades.

The industry is worth more than £108bn to the British economy and employs four million people. But following Brexit, the traditional subsidies and Common Agricultural Policy, which have shaped the industry for many years, are set to be dismantled and there is mounting concern and confusion about what happens next.

National Farmers' Union president Meurig Raymond said the country urgently needed a new food and farming plan to create an industry which was “less bureaucratic and more fit for purpose.”

He called upon the soon-to-be installed Prime Minister Theresa May to get behind them.

“At the moment it is us, the farmers, that are carrying the risk," said Mr Raymond. "We are in uncharted waters. We need the food supply industry to talk to us, we need to create a fair food supply system that is equitable and transparent. There has to be a major consultation, now.

“The NFU will be arguing to get the best possible deal for UK farmers. We must not be disadvantaged to our main competitors, Southern Ireland, Holland and Denmark, if these people are receiving a level of support we must have a level of support."

Farmer Guy Poskitt said one of his main concerns was retailers forcing prices down.

“One of the big issues is retailers going for the race to the bottom," he said. "We have to stop undervaluing what we sell. Retailers have to stop driving down prices for high quality British produce.”

Dairy farmer Tom Rawson appealed to the British public to support homegrown food.

“We’re asking people to support Britishness," he said. "They voted for it a few weeks ago, now we’re asking them to support it in what they buy. There are so many challenges ahead, we need to get young people along with us, if we do, there is a great future to be had.”

President of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) Ross Murray called for a new world-leading food, farming and environmental policy which would deliver better value for the taxpayer. He said the CLA wanted to see a productive, competitive farming and forestry sector, food security, enhancement of the environment, a dedicated budget, value for money and clear proportionate regulation.

“Brexit creates the freedom and opportunity for Government, farmers and other land managers to work together to achieve this," he said. "The EU Common Agricultural Policy is cumbersome and unwieldy, but provides important economic, environmental and social benefits.

"It would be disastrous for our agricultural sector, the environment and the rural economy as a whole, and for anyone who values our countryside, if we were to lose momentum post Brexit.

"This is a pivotal moment for how food is produced, how the environment is cared for and how the countryside is managed.

"The CLA has had positive early discussions with Ministers, policy makers and other rural groups and today we have set out the six fundamental principles on which the new policy should be based."