THE GARDEN of England is no longer Darling Buds of May country and farmers must work together to avert long-term decline on the land.

That was the stark message from senior county councillor Alex King who called on everyone working in farming to join in a "dialogue" with the council.

The Kent County Council cabinet member for regeneration said the sector, including its contribution to tourism, was worth around a billion pounds a year to the county's economy.

But it was under threat. Kent was no longer the agricultural powerhouse it once was. He said: "The days of The Darling Buds of May are over."

He added: "If the opportunities aren't seized now, there will be inevitable decline in the land-based sector.

"So much is beginning to change that if we don't move now, we will have a decline that is irreversible -- it will take five to 10 years to show. You just need to anticipate it now and move now."

He called on those in farming and horticulture to "join us in this dialogue and let's find some constructive ways forward."

It was vital to get the Garden of England "right for the 21st century," to make sure it was a good place for people to live, work and play and to protect it for future generations.

The first findings of a land use survey were revealed, showing, among other things, that arable farming is worth £83m to the county's economy, horticulture £165m and livestock £67m. The full survey is due to be published later in September.