Ahead of Party conference season, where manifestos will be drawn up for next year's general election, the NFU has produced a five-point document for policies the union believes will benefit the agriculture sector.

The 'Farming manifesto', released on Wednesday, calls on the main parties to produce policies that would support:

• Investing for growth;
• Protecting animal and plant health;
• Securing knowledge and technology;
• Building fair, safe and secure food chains; and
• Caring for our countryside.

NFU President Meurig Raymond commented, "Ahead of the General Election next May, we are calling on all the main political parties to help maximise the potential of our industry and create a policy environment in which our farmers and growers can thrive.

"I am intensely aware of the major challenges ahead for British farmers – to increase food production with fewer inputs and better care for the environment. I want the next Government to work with the NFU to set an agenda for growth, for profitable production, that fosters the breadth of farm businesses from food to renewable energy and environmental services by building on the professionalism and confidence of British farmers."

Mr Raymond claimed that policies outlined in the manifesto would carry "benefits for both the country and countryside… by which political parties can clearly demonstrate their commitment to the future of this most essential of industries."

The manifesto can be read here