A NORTH Yorkshire MP has met with farmers from his constituency to find out more about their concerns going into Brexit.

Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty, hosted the farmers forum last week at the Stockbridge Technology Centre in Cawood, near Selby, to discuss upcoming challenges faced by the agriculture and food production industries in the region.

The centre was launched in 2001 to promote continued technological developments for agriculture and horticulture, and the topics of discussion were mainly linked to Britain leaving the EU.

Mr Adams, who was recently appointed Government Whip with specific responsibility for DEFRA legislation, also spoke with members about the benefits of Brexit, changes to farming regulations, the farmers' pride in their industry, and the need for recruitment of seasonal workers for planting and harvesting.

Richard Bramley, local farmer and NFU Environment Board member, said: "The meeting with Nigel provided an excellent opportunity to speak with someone at the heart of Government.

"The next 18 months is a critical period for the agricultural industry as Brexit negotiations shape our future trading relationships with the EU. It is also essential that we can continue to employ workers from Europe on whom farming and the food supply chain depend. Of course, once the shape of these discussions becomes clearer a robust conversation about an agricultural policy that works for farmers, their workers, the environment and the general public must take centre stage."

Mr Adams said: "This was a very productive meeting and provided a valuable channel of communication on which we can build.

"With 250 pieces of DEFRA legislation to get through before Brexit, the government must ensure we have effective communications with our farming community which is worth £10 billion a year to our economy."