THE?BODY?that represents farmers says it is in their best interest for the UK to stay in the European Union.

The National Farmers Union (NFU)recognises that farmers have differing views, and hasn’t been promoting either the leave the EU or remain in it, campaigns ahead of tomorrow’s national in or out EU Referendum.

Petersfield dairy farmer Peter Caines says he will be voting outside the farming box.

Mr Caines, who farms alongside Heath?Road East, said: “I’m not voting with just my farming hat on.

“There are a lot of other issues that affect us. The EU isn’t perfect, but I think we are better off in, its the lesser of two evils.”

But he thinks the farming vote could go either way.

He said: “I believe quite a few farmers are going vote out, it’s going to be close.”

Selborne beef farmer David Ashcroft says EU bureaucracy is just one reason why he believes the EU isn’t good for farming.

Mr Ashcroft of Oaktree Farm, Honey Lane, in Selborne, also says it will be an “exciting prospect” if the UK votes to leave the EU in tomorrows in or out referendum.

He added: “It will also be interesting to see what the other EU countries will do if we leave. I understand the concept of having 500m EU customers on our doorstep, and for trade reasons I’m happy to stay in.

“But I’m not in favour of EU bureaucracy, I don’t think a body outside this country should be telling us what to do.

“It’s become too centralised, we are slowly becoming absorbed, part of a Euro state, Europe shouldn’t become the United States of Europe.

“If we leave it will be a bit worrying, but the safest course isn’t always the best option.”

But an independent report for the NFU found that overall, farmers would be better off if the UK stayed in the European Union.

An NFU spokesman said: “The NFU has not been actively campaigning in the referendum.

“It has not joined with any campaign groups and it will not, in any circumstances, advise its members how to vote.

“The NFU recognises and respects the diversity of views among its membership.

“The NFU’s position is based solely on an evaluation of the agricultural merits of the case and the NFU is fully aware there are many wider issues at stake.

“The NFU Council resolves that on the balance of existing evidence available to us at present, the interests of farmers are best served by our continuing membership of the European Union.”

However many farmers are bitter about the EU, saying it didn’t support British farmers during the BSE and Foot and Mouth crises.

They also claim that European farmers get more advantages; for many years UK farmers have campaigned to reform the EU agricultural policy, demanding a level playing field for farmers.

There are also claims that there is to much EU bureaucracy, and that adminstering farm subisides is a costly and inefficient process.