Nowadays it's a case of food, less laborious food, explains ROB SIMPSON, of

the Yorkshire and North East National Farmers Union.

The world has moved on from the dark days of the Second World War when parks and playing fields were dug up to provide extra food.

Society's priorities have changed. Production at all costs is no longer the goal and farmers now produce a much greater range of products, including raw materials for industry and energy crops.

Farmers have responded to the public's concern about the way they produce and our standards in this country are second to none, with big improvements in food safety, environmental conservation, and continual improvements in animal welfare.

Some of these improvements have been achieved through technology.

Clive Blacker, from Newton-on-Ouse, north of York, has demonstrated how technology can help both farmers and the environment.

The 28-year-old farmer utilises a satellite mapping system to apply the right amount of fertiliser and spray to the right parts of the field. This has achieved significant environmental improvements while increasing farmers' profitability.

His efforts earned him the title North East Young Farmer of the Year in the NFU President's Awards this year.

But advances of this kind have not altered the fact that food production remains the core business of farmers who want to supply as wide a range of top quality, safe food as possible.

UK farmers supply more than 80 per cent of the food crops and meat which can be produced in this country - a huge gain on the 33 per cent our farmers were producing 70 years ago. But we could do better than that.

Food and farming in this country is the biggest sector of our economy, employing more people than any other.

Many of the firms in Britain's processed food sector are world leaders. Farming is an essential link in that chain.

Too often, farmers have become separated from their customers and are now striving to regain their market position. The NFU has given a firm commitment to encourage its members to respond to the food market.

The NFU has also recognised the importance of farmers having the skills and advice to take advantage of new food markets, and other opportunities open to them.

At the recent Rural Summit at 10 Downing Street with the Prime Minister, NFU President Ben Gill pressed for Government action which went beyond short-term emergency aid.

As a result, part of the £200 million Government aid package did not have pound signs directly attached. And as individual farmers and the NFU grasp the hand of partnership that has been extended, we can do much to secure our futures and the futures of our families.

In North Yorkshire, farmers have realised the importance of re-training and getting sound business advice, as demonstrated by the success of the Yorkshire Dales and Moors Farm Business Support Project.

The NFU has led the project which started only a few years ago, but in that short time the backing has helped 850 North Yorkshire farmers in upland areas.

They have taken advantage of re-training, business appraisals and business plans, allowing them to diversify, reduce costs and plan for the future.