Farmers across the county have united to call on the new Labour government to recognise the importance of Kent’s £400 million farming industry.

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) deputy president David Exwood joined colleagues from across the South East to make the call during the Kent County Show at the weekend in Detling.

He said: “Having a new Labour government now presents us with many opportunities.

“The single most vital thing farming needs is an agricultural budget. This isn’t just ‘money for farmers’, it’s the funding which helps the sector transition away from the old EU system, allows farm businesses to invest for the future and makes the government’s aims around sustainable food production, food security, the environment and net zero possible.

“We look forward to building on our strong engagement with Labour ministers to date to discuss essential policy solutions on key issues for our members. There are a number of policies within Labour’s manifesto which we will want to see actioned, for example ensuring the new environmental land management schemes work for all farm businesses, setting core standards for food imports and legislation to boost public procurement.

“At the same time, there are various issues that need greater recognition if the sector is to unlock its potential for growth, such as a fit for purpose Seasonal Workers Scheme, effective import controls, supply chain fairness, investment in infrastructure and flexibility in planning.

“Enabling the farming industry to thrive is hugely important to this county and region and the country as a whole.”

The NFU says farming contributes £405.8m to the local economy and provides more than 13,250 jobs in the county.

In addition, it highlights how farming underpins the UK’s largest manufacturing sector – food and drink – which contributes more than £128 billion to the national economy and provides jobs for four million people.

NFU regional board chair for the East of England, Alan Clifton-Holt, who farms at Romney Marsh, added: “Kent’s farmers create thousands of jobs and boost the local economy, deliver high quality, sustainable food, always working to highest standards of animal welfare while protecting the countryside and supporting the environment.

“We now need the new government to work with the NFU to give confidence to the industry and stimulate growth, following a very challenging period for farmers.”