Major banks, farming charities and farming representatives will meet today at a landmark summit called by Environment Secretary Owen Paterson.

Experts in banking, farming, insurance and business are expected to discuss ways to improve farmers' access to financial support already available and to find new ways to help improve their businesses' resilience.

HSBC, Lloyds, National Farmers' Union and The Addington Fund are among those attending the meeting at Defra headquarters.

The bad weather over the past year has placed particular financial pressures on many of Britain's farmers.  Today's summit has been called to help banks and farmers understand and respond to future business risks and opportunities which will help to grow the rural economy.

Mr Paterson said:

"We should be proud of the fantastic job our farmers do. But this last year has been particularly tough. Farming contributes a huge amount to our environment and our economy. 

"We want to ensure that farmers are able to deal with challenges like bad weather, to grow their businesses, create new jobs and help the country compete in the global race."

Representatives from the following organisations are expected to join the Environment Secretary:

• National Farmers’ Union
• The Prince of Wales Countryside Fund
• Countryside Landowners Association
• Tenant Farmers Association
• Addington Fund
• NFU Mutual
• Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board
• HSBC
• Barclays
• Lloyds
• Royal Bank of Scotland
• National Australian Bank