RAIN failed to put a dampener on England’s leading agricultural show as it opened today.
Amid heavy security thousands of people poured through the gates for the Great Yorkshire Show at the Harrogate showground.
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Farming dominates the £3m show which is seen as a major lobbying point for the regions vast agricultural industry.
With the announcement that Agriculture Minister Michael Gove is due at the show tomorrow industry leaders revealed they will be putting him on the spot over Brexit.
Tremendous class of gimmers at #GYS for Gordon Gray to sort through @greatyorkshow pic.twitter.com/5fZyzPrMfV
— British Texel Sheep (@BritishTexel) July 11, 2017
Minette Batters, Vice President of the National Farmers Union, told a press conference Brexit is the greatest challenge for more than a generation for the food and farming industry, which is worth £109bn to the economy a year, and they will be telling the minister they have to bring an end to the fragmentation of the industry, and encourage the supply chain.
“We need access to people and any barriers for export need to be gone. I feel very strongly about this being a commercial Brexit, and the government seeing the economic value of this sector, that is what we need to get Michael Gove to see.
First Hereford female class being judged @greatyorkshow #herefordsjudging pic.twitter.com/gnwRzkSV10
— Hereford Cattle UK (@UKHerefords) July 11, 2017
"We believe agriculture should be at the heart of the industrial strategy,” she added.
The National Farmers Union launched a new campaign Pride and Provenance backing local producers and suppliers.
They’re targeting the super garrison at Catterick Garrison which they say should have a local supply chain.
Helping to launch the campaign, James Farrer, of the Local Enterprise Partnership said it is a crucial effort.
“Imagine British food for British troops, the government needs to deliver that, we have to have a concerted campaign to buy local, our message to government is if you work with us we will deliver.”
Extra security in the form of armed police are operating at the show in the light of recent attacks at large gatherings.
We’re using a range of secondary security measures at #GYS2017 today, some of which may be more visible than others. @NYorksPolice pic.twitter.com/Mf8fnCQFaY
— Great Yorkshire Show (@greatyorkshow) July 11, 2017
Major highpoints of the first day of the three day event include the British Charolais Cattle society national show with exhibitors from all over the country.
Other attractions on the first day include chef Rosemary Shrager cooking in the Food theatre, the ridden hunter championships, a celebrity fashion show and the beef shorthorn UK championship.
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