A senior farming union leader has met the York and North Yorkshire Mayor to discuss issues facing the dairy sector.
Paul Tompkins, deputy president of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), had talks with Mayor David Skaith on a dairy farm in Kilburn, amid reports of falling prices in the dairy sector.
The meeting included NFU North Riding and Durham members John and Sally Banks, owners of the host farm, and county adviser Laurie Norris.
Mr Tompkins said: "Mayoral authorities can meaningfully influence farming by steering regional support and offer access to regional funding.
"It was great to meet Mayor David Skaith and share our ambitions for North Riding and Yorkshire's farming community to help amplify farming interests at a time when farming is under severe pressure but fundamental to our national security."
The discussion highlighted the challenges facing the dairy sector and the broader importance of farming to the rural economy.
The Banks family outlined how their business supports numerous local enterprises, emphasising that many depend on a profitable agricultural sector.
The conversation also covered workforce development, with John and Sally Banks noting that several of their employees are students.
They pointed to the area’s two agricultural colleges and stressed the need to attract more young people into the industry.
Energy security was also raised as a key concern.
The group discussed the value of renewable energy grants for farmers and visited the Banks’ on-site solar array, which helps reduce energy costs.
Mr Tompkins also addressed food procurement opportunities and barriers within current tendering processes.
Mayor Skaith confirmed that changes would come into force next year.
Other topics covered included food security, rural crime, fly-tipping, and planning.
The visit concluded with a tour of the farm, including a look at the Banks’ 900-strong dairy herd and a chance to speak with members of the farm team.
Mr Skaith said: "Farmers are so important to North Yorkshire's regional heritage, economy, and most importantly to keep us all fed.
"It was great to meet Paul on the Banks' family farm to see how they've grown their farm business and discuss the challenges facing dairy farmers in North Yorkshire.
"I'm committed to doing all I can to take those challenges straight to government and by listening to farmers, and working together with the NFU, we're doing all we can to make the most of devolution and ensure North Yorkshire becomes by far the best region in Britain to be a farmer."
Mr Norris said: "We really appreciate that the mayor values farming and understands its contribution to York and North Yorkshire and is looking at ways that he can help.
"Be that through grants or business support – he is proactively trying to help the industry.
"Our energy discussion really brought home the value of small-scale on-farm renewables.
"David was very clear about the importance of both food security and energy security – and how farming sits at the heart of both."
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