BACK British farming in 2016 – that’s the plea from East Hampshire farmers after a tough year.

Hampshire National Farmers’ Union (NFU) chairman Jamie Butler, of East Meon, has urged the government and the food supply chain to get behind the beleaguered industry.

He is also encouraging all farmers to gen up on the European Union (EU) referendum to decide whether to stay in or opt out.

In his New Year message he said: “Across all sectors, 2015 has been a tough year for farming, and recovery may be some way off. But we have to focus on the future.

“The UK will become the most populated country in the EU by the mid-2040s, with many more mouths to feed. So, we need action from the EU, our own government and the supply chain to enable a competitive and profitable farming industry.

“This will assure the nation of a safe, secure and affordable supply of British food now and in years to come.”

The NFU, which has its south east region base at Petersfield, had not taken a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ stance on the Europe vote but was providing full information on the implications.

There are serious concerns by farmers too that the government’s new National Living Wage may make horticultural businesses unsustainable.