Leading Yorkshire food producers and retailers met in Harrogate to tackle the twin issues of rising prices and food security.

The event was organised by the Farexchange Partnership to announce the setting up of four new supply chains aimed at linking the region's farmers, food manufacturers and retailers more effectively.

Malt Supply Chain, United Biscuits Potato Grower Group, North Yorkshire Moors Lamb and the Beef Short Horn Supply Chain have all been recently set up by Farexchange to develop more efficient processes and to reduce haulage costs.

Securing supplies and fair prices through regional co-operation is vital for Yorkshire's food industry, said meeting chairman Chris Blundell, a former director of supermarket chain Morrisons, as the meeting tackled recent high food prices.

Other factors include the depreciation of sterling against its major trading currencies making imports of food more expensive, and the pressure put on land caused by a ballooning world population.

However, Blundell told the audience that the solutions to these problems could be close to home. He said: "Changing economic and environmental landscapes present both a challenge and a great opportunity for UK farmers and food manufacturers to work together to ensure continuity of supply and fair pricing."

A cross-section of around 50 food industry professionals attended the meeting, including English Food and Farming Partnerships (EFFP) chief executive Sion Roberts and Yorkshire Forward's new sector manager for food and drink Alan Hayes.

Funding for the Farexchange project is being made available through the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE), which is jointly funded by DEFRA and the EU, and is managed by Yorkshire Forward in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

EFFP is delivering the programme in collaboration with the Regional Food Group, Country Land & Business Association, National Farmers' Union, Fare Solutions, Askham Bryan College, Bishop Burton College, Yorkshire Agricultural Society, EBLEX and BPEX.

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