ENVIRONMENT Secretary Michael Gove has reassured farmers in North Yorkshire that a post-Brexit government would put farming and food production at the heart of its policy.
Mr Gove took questions from farmers at a meeting in Sand Hutton chaired by Thirsk MP, Kevin Hollinrake, who is also his Parliamentary Private Secretary.
Mr Gove covered topics ranging from the Environmental Land Management Scheme, through to his plans to create a new watchdog commission to maintain high British food production standards in post-Brexit deals.
Some farmers raised concerns about food production taking second place to the environment but Mr Gove said he wanted to encourage people to buy British wherever possible and encourage the understanding and appreciation of local food.
Speaking after the event Mr Hollinrake said “We were all grateful to Mr Gove that he found the time to come and visit us in North Yorkshire and speak directly to farmers."
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