The first agricultural event of 2015, and one of the most important, kicks off today in Oxford titled ‘Ambitious Agriculture’.

The prestigious Oxford Farming Conference will see four different political parties set out their plans for agriculture.

DEFRA Secretary Liz Truss, Shadow food and farming minister Huw Irranca Davies, UKIP’s Stuart Agnew and the Scottish Parliaments Richard Lockhead will address delegates on a range of issues expected to centre round TB, farm grant support and ensuring a fairer price for producers.

Labour are likely to receive questions on TB, after they vowed to scrap badger culls opting for vaccination and stricter rules on cattle movements whilst UKIP, who are often scrutinised by farmers over their anti-EU views, are expected to be quizzed on farm support.

National Farmers’ Union president Meurig Raymond has already warned that if Britain does leave the union the £3.8bn that farmers currently receive in support from the EU might disappear.

Richard Whitlock, Chairman of the 2015 Oxford Farming Conference, said: "As a whole, our farming industry is lagging behind other countries and must make bold strides to becoming more globally competitive.

"The research repeatedly highlighted that what separates the best from the rest is an individual's receptiveness to risk, their ability to save cost whilst raising output and an underlying zeal for building their businesses."

Also taking place is the Oxford Real Farming Conference, an alternative event launched in 2010 as a counter to the business focused Oxford Farming Conference. This year it takes looking after the soil as its theme.