Charles Forbes Adam, owner of the 8,000 acre Escrick Park Estate near York, takes over from outgoing regional committee chairman, George Winn-Darley, who held the post since 2008.

CLA Yorkshire Regional Director Dorothy Fairburn said: "I am delighted to welcome Charles to his new role as regional chairman and would also like to thank George for all of his hard work over the past three years.

"The CLA is the only organisation that lobbies government and other key decision makers on behalf of country land owners and Charles’s proven track record in rural enterprise makes him the ideal candidate to support us in this role."

Last year Charles received the Anders Wall Award from the Brussels-based European Landowners’ Organisation (ELO) in recognition of the host of environmental initiatives that have been instigated at Escrick Park over the past two decades.

The estate has also contributed towards the local economy through a sensitive £1.4 million renovation of redundant farm buildings, resulting in 24 eco-friendly offices and 14 light industrial units. Hollicars – the estate’s 180-pitch, five star holiday park – further reflects Escrick’s commitment to rural business.

Charles said: "With a major review of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) looming in 2013, this is a crucial time for farmers and landowners across Yorkshire to make their voices heard and I am very much looking forward to tackling the challenges that lay ahead."