A PIONEERING venture will help East Yorkshire farmers meet vital challenges facing their industry.

Farmers and rural businesses will benefit from the new Centre for Agricultural Innovation at Bishop Burton College, near Beverley.

Cutting edge research and a pool of expertise will help them combat issues surrounding climate change, food security and population growth.

Rural organisations like the National Farmers' Union (NFU) have welcomed the move to give countryside businesses a brighter future.

Driffield farmer John Gatenby, from the York East NFU, said: "This is an initiative that will do a lot of good for agriculture and associated businesses.

"Cutbacks mean that the Government no longer funds agricultural research, so we need something to fill that gap."

The ground-breaking centre to keep the college at the forefront of agricultural education and research was launched at the Great Yorkshire Show.

It is the brainchild of college principal Jeanette Dawson who wants to step up research currently carried out by staff and students at the college.

The aim is to work with the agricultural industry and related partners in identifying continuing research and development needs.

She said: "We will be able to aid the Government in its plans to ensure that food producers and rural businesses are prepared for challenges as they arise.

"As educators, we must take the lead in preparing farmers for climate change, new technologies and legislation to make sure they are working in line with Government strategy."