THE Country Land and Business Association has labelled the Government's new strategy for sustainable farming as "extremely disappointing".

The association, which represents more than 4,000 Yorkshire businesses, claims the strategy, which promotes nationwide diversification backed by £500m in funding over three years, fails to address the key challenge of helping restore farm incomes to reasonable levels.

"The Government must kick- start recovery instead of putting the onus on an industry already on its knees," said regional director Dorothy Fairburn.

"The review is disappointing and an opportunity largely missed. The Government's acknowledgement that farming matters to the rural and national economy is welcome.

"However, the industry cannot survive on words alone and change is needed urgently."

Miss Fairburn said the strategy also failed to provide any detailed commitments to fight Britain's corner over future Common Agricultural Policy reform. Other areas it claims were not highlighted include the introduction of a safety net in agricultural crisis, as well as assurance that competition authorities will allow development of collaborative ventures among farmers.

"This long-awaited document offers nothing new and, in that respect, is a huge disappointment," said Miss Fairburn.

"We shall continue to press the case for the needs of the industry to be met and for the Government to take real action."

Updated: 11:22 Thursday, December 19, 2002