The NFU has called on the chancellor to use the forthcoming budget to create a sustainable farming industry.

Key issues will be duty cuts on biodiesel and bioethanol for growers, while farm business concessions will also remain vital. The NFU wants businesses to be able to offset farming losses against other business initiatives indefinitely, or for at least seven years.

NFU President Ben Gill said: 'Farmers are working extremely hard towards the goal of establishing a sustainable agriculture.

'Diversification, the leasing of land and other business operations are all common elements of today's farm business. These efforts are being made, despite desperately low incomes and must be encouraged.

'Only a profitable sector working within a framework that encourages reinvestment will ensure that farming moves out of recession and can contribute to the national economic growth in this country.' The budget will be delivered on April 9.