The presidents of the four UK farming unions have insisted the industry can meet the twin challenges of producing more food while respecting the environment.

NFU president Peter Kendall, NFU Scotland president Jim McLaren, NFU Cymru president Dai Davies and Ulster Farmers’ Union president Graham Furey issued this statement following a meeting held in Stratford last week: “Agricultural production is more important today than at any point in our lifetimes. We need to meet the twin challenges of producing more food and renewable energy.

“Given the right framework which allows farming to be profitable and to invest in the future, we can meet this challenge.

“Contrary to the views of some commentators, it is not a question of increasing production or respecting the environment. We can do both.”

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