The PRESIDENT of the National Farmers Union has stressed the need for a comprehensive food strategy which sets out a collaborative vision of the future of food in Britain.

Minette Batters, re-iterated the call at the Egg and Poultry Industry Conference (EPIC), chaired by NFU chief poultry adviser Gary Ford.

Mrs Batters has long made the call for the government to have a policy giving food production and farming in the UK a firm future.

“The Agriculture Bill and a new policy offer a once-in-a-generation chance to influence our course for the future and we must seize it by setting out a clear vision of where we want to be post-Brexit," she said.

“To do this we need a proactive plan which joins the dots between farmers and the wider food manufacturing industry, and builds a brand based on the integrity and standards of British food.

“Looking beyond Brexit, I see a progressive food and farming industry which focuses on four key areas – moral imperative, health and nutrition, integrity and standards, and working with nature – and delivers for all corners of society while fulfilling our moral obligations in a global economy and a changing world.

“As an industry our futures are inextricably linked and we will face many common and pressing challenges in the months ahead. We must work together to seize the opportunities we have been given and strive for a future united by food.”

Meanwhile, NFU Vice President Stuart Roberts received a round of applause for his comments during Channel 4's live discussion programme 'Brexit: What The Nation Really Thinks'.

The live debate took place in Birmingham, hosted by Krishnan Guru-Murthy, and centred around a Survation poll for Channel 4 that revealed where the British public stands on key aspects of Brexit including immigration and the economy.

The biggest ever independent Brexit opinion poll surveyed 20,000 people online across the UK between October 20 and November 2.

The results showed that 54 per cent would vote to remain in the EU if the Brexit referendum was held again.

Justice Secretary David Gauke, Shadow Trade Secretary Barry Gardiner, Green Party MP Caroline Lucas (representing The People’s Vote) and former UKIP leader Nigel Farage (representing Leave Means Leave) took part in the debate.