The NFU said the new Agriculture Bill, announced in this week’s Queen’s Speech, presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance and promote British farming.

The new Bill is said to “provide stability” for farmers and ensure an “effective system” of support to replace the Common Agricultural Policy.

NFU president Meurig Raymond said: “This is a vital time to engage with the farming sector. Carving out a new future for the farming sector is a huge opportunity for the wealth and wellbeing of the nation.

“We can further our substantial economic, social and environmental contribution and, with that, strengthen the nation’s ability to feed itself and the world.”

Mr Raymond added: “Working closely with the new Secretary of State for Defra and his ministerial team will be essential, and this is already off to a good start. But we’ll also need the support of the whole Parliament if British farming is to have a profitable future in a post-Brexit world.

“This is the right opportunity to embed the long term strategic importance of farming sector for the nation.”