YORKSHIRE farmers and food producers were in the spotlight today as the Government unveiled a £500m cash boost for sustainable farming.

Spread over the next three years, the money will go towards promoting good food practice, helping farmers expand their businesses as well as promoting countryside stewardship schemes.

The strategy was launched following the Curry report on the Future of Farming and Food which highlighted the importance of helping regional producers reach their local market.

"The ultimate aim is to increase farmers' wealth as well as look after the environment and rural communities," said a Defra spokesman.

"Farmers will be able to apply for grants to help them adopt best practice, such as welfare farming, and reach their local market.

"There will also be a support network of "demonstration farms" which will showcase farms which have already adopted "best practice".

"Money will also be made available to firms already promoting regional produce such as Yorkshire Pantry.

"On top of that smaller scale versions of the Countryside Stewardship scheme will also be promoted as they will be more manageable for smaller farms."

One of the demonstration farms will be Driffield-based Yorkshire Beef, a marketing company bringing farmers and butchers together to produce and promote naturally-reared, top-quality Yorkshire Beef.

Its client base stretches from the Dales to the East Riding.

Updated: 11:35 Thursday, December 12, 2002