The NFU's asks include a robust champion for UK agriculture in European discussions; a comprehensive agri-food strategy to boost UK food production; more power to the Grocery Code Adjudicator; and incentives so farmers can tackle volatility and invest for the future.

NFU President Meurig Raymond said it was vital that whichever party ended up at Number 10, all should take role of British food production extremely seriously to ensure they had the rights policies and tools in place to help the sector grow.

He said: “I want to know how a future Government can back British farmers. I am not asking what farming wants, I’m arguing for what the country needs. Simply, voters expect a British Government to back its own farmers and producers.

“My challenge to Government is this: Ensure you have a robust plan for increasing the productive potential of farming, stimulating investment, providing the tools to manage volatile markets and ensuring that the drive to increase British food production. And ensure this is at the heart of every government department.”

The Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru and UKIP will today take part in a political discussion at our event in Birmingham, in a session hosted by journalist and broadcaster John Humphrys.

The NFU's ten key asks of the next prospective Government are:

1. A UK Government engaging and championing farming in EU policy making, leading with a review of CAP greening
2. A comprehensive agri-food strategy to grow UK food production over the next Government’s term
3. Robust scientific evidence to ensure continued access to a wide range of plant protection products
4. Implement all elements of the 25-year TB Eradication Strategy
5. Support and extension of the Grocery Code Adjudicator role to all links in the supply chain
6. Fiscal incentives that enable farm businesses to manage volatility and promote capital investment
7. Increased investment in UK-relevant agri-science, including development and approval of biotechnology tools through to commercialisation
8. Accelerated rollout of high speed broadband to all rural areas
9. Accurate food and farming information supplied to schools and colleges
10. Planning rules that enable farmers and farm enterprises to compete and grow