HUNDREDS of NFU members have come forward to help the National Farmers Union respond to Government plans for farming policy – which they say fails to recognise the vital role of food production.

NFU South East has has been meeting and gathering its members’ views on Government proposals for future agricultural policy and collating a formal response by the start of this month.

It has also urged its members to respond individually to the Government’s ‘Health and Harmony: The future for food, farming and the environment in a Green Brexit’ proposals.

NFU South East regional director William White said: “Commercial farmers and growers believe future farm policy must recognise the importance of food production as a public good.

“The NFU will be urging government to develop an ambitious policy that retains and enhances the productive capacity of the farming industry as a national strategic asset.”

He added: “Many farmers question how government will reconcile future trade deals and a desire to keep food affordable to the consumer with the maintenance of our world-class standards for animal health and welfare.

“There is agreement a transition period will be necessary to design, develop and prepare for a new policy, though views on the timescale are mixed.

“All farmers and growers agree farming delivers a high-quality landscape with environmental benefits and farmers can continue to deliver this, provided the policy incentives are practical.

“Support should be fair and equitable to all farm businesses, irrespective of size or system.”