JOHN Craven, presenter of Country File, the BBC magazine programme which, every Sunday, highlights rural and environmental issues, officially launched a new programme to help and encourage young farmers on Tuesday.

The launch of Growing Routes was organised at the Yorkshire Showground by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, which is running the programme with the help of £300,000 funding from Yorkshire Forward.

Introducing the guests, Nigel Pulling, chief executive of the YAS, explained that the society, best known for organising the Great Yorkshire show, had also, over recent years, supported the agricultural industry throughout the year.

"It is spending increasing amounts until we now fund activities within the agricultural sector, including research and education, to the tune of £150,000 a year," said Mr Pulling.

"The launch of Growing Routes is our next step in helping the agricultural industry and the rural community.

"It is vital that rural areas are supported, otherwise we will see the trickle of young people already leaving turn into a flood. Without them, the countryside we love will die. Growing Routes addresses this major issue, which is aimed at regenerating the farming industry and the rural community."

George Hamilton, regional programme director for Growing Routes, explained that the project aimed to help people under 45 in the rural community, those trapped in farm businesses with declining incomes and prospects, to make a start in business. It would also help those in struggling farm businesses to develop their skills, making use of their resources.

"The programme wants to encourage people to stay on farms, in farming, producing quality food profitably while caring for the environment and the countryside," said Mr Hamilton.

"These businesses, however, must be viable. Iit may be necessary to integrate farming with other farm-based business ventures, making good use of the available resources of facilities, skills and materials, and with access to rural markets often isolated from city-based services."

The programme would help put together business plans; provide grants or loans, and provide mentor support from successful business people.

"Sometimes it is like finding a needle in a haystack. There are people out there and we want them to approach us for help, or for you to tell them that help is available. This launch is about spreading the word, to identify the entrepreneurs, those with good ideas.

"This is where Growing Routes comes into its own, it can make an ambition a reality."

Welcoming the programme, John Craven said: "The farming industry is not a dead-end industry. Yes, we have seen one calamity after another affect the industry; there is a crisis, but it has served our nation for thousands of years.

"Many farmers are leaving the land owing to mounting legislation and paperwork, rows over EC agricultural policy and the effects of foot-and mouth. The result is that the industry is now in a redefined form and this programme will help young people by providing money and expertise.

"About 6,000 farmers left the business last year. We must stop this exodus or there will be no-one left to farm the land."

Another launch guest was Sir Don Curry, who headed the Government commission on the future of food and farming. He said: "One of the exciting prospects of this programme, if we get it right, will be to see young farmers being integrated into a diversifying economy. It will help change the face of the business community in rural Yorkshire."