Demand for new policy to help British farmers

Meurig Raymond, president of the National Farmers’ Union, which is based in Petersfield, has met government officials to discuss what the agricultural sector wants.

He said: ‘Food and farming is of strategic importance to the country. I have stressed that the NFU is ready and willing to work with government to ensure we have a profitable, productive and competitive farming industry. That work must start now.

‘We must take this opportunity to build a new domestic agricultural policy that is shaped to meet our needs – a policy that allows farmers and growers to prosper while delivering the nation’s home-grown food.

‘Getting the right results will take time but we need early answers to questions such as the future of support payments. We will be seeking guarantees that the support given to our farmers remains equal to that given to farmers in the EU.’