With the 2015 General Election already on everyone's minds, the National Farming Union (NFU) has launched its manifesto to set out what it hopes the government will do for the country's farmers.
The NFU wants the government to actively support farmers in helping to grow the industry, supporting growth and investing in technology and helping to protect the environment. The NFU's document outlines these challenges.
In 2013, over 464,000 people were employed in agriculture, with the industry generating around £5.4bn in revenue and £12.8bn in food and non-alcoholic drink exports.
Meurig Raymond, NFU President, said: "I am intensely aware of the major challenges ahead for British farmers – to increase food production with fewer inputs and better care for the environment. I want the next Government to work with the NFU to set an agenda for growth, for profitable production, that fosters the breadth of farm businesses from food to renewable energy and environmental services by building on the professionalism and confidence of British farmers. By backing British farming and working together we have a unique opportunity to increase food production by supporting research, investment and growth."