The farming community has suffered greatly in recent years. The BSE and Foot and Mouth disasters, rising costs, a strong pound, wet weather and deflated morale have contrived to make the battle for profitability an uphill struggle.

There must be a determined concentration in improving the prospect for a way of life that continues to decline. More farms are being abandoned now than ever before. We need DARD reform, we need fair pricing, a workable early retirement scheme and encouragement for new entrants in order to reverse the rural exodus and ease rural stress which has become a major concern.

The Government must do more to represent our farmers’ interests within the UK and Europe and boost farm incomes. The dairy, pig and poultry sectors need firm support and we must develop and expand seed potato export and strengthen the arable and intensive sectors, help encourage farm diversification, expand our tree planting programme, develop organic farming and improve rural amenities.