“British farming has lost one of its greatest ever advocates and the NFU has lost its greatest ever President,” Mrs Batters said.

“There was no one more passionate about British farming than Lord Plumb and he remained a great champion for the sector throughout his life. He worked with a constant energy and determination to ensure the importance of farming was recognised by policy makers and continued to highlight the importance of the sector throughout his time in the House of Lords.

“As President of the NFU throughout the 1970s, he was at the head of the organisation when Britain joined the European Union. His success in guiding the NFU through a turbulent period came from his great ability to persuade through discussion and well-reasoned argument.

“Following his nine-year Presidency of the NFU, he became a Member of the European Parliament and was later elected as its President. 

“His impact on British farming during a career in agriculture and politics that spanned decades cannot be underestimated. His passion, dedication and sheer hard work on behalf of, and for, our industry was an inspiration to me and to many others.

“He was a truly remarkable man. He was committed, fearless and the most charming man you could meet.

“His loss will be deeply felt and our sympathies are with his family at this sad time.”

Chairman of The Henry Plumb Foundation, John Thorley said that all trustees felt they had lost a caring and enduring friend and mentor. Speaking more personally John said Henry had been one of his closest allies in a number of situations for more than half a century. "I will miss his advice, wisdom and sense of humour and reality more than I can say". I know we all will.

The Henry Plumb Foundation

Chairman of The Henry Plumb Foundation, John Thorley said that all trustees felt they had lost a caring and enduring friend and mentor. Speaking more personally John said Henry had been one of his closest allies in a number of situations for more than half a century. "I will miss his advice, wisdom and sense of humour and reality more than I can say". I know we all will.

The Henry Plumb Foundation was created by Henry to help to support and encourage new blood to come into farming and to pump prime projects to help farmers survive and thrive in their increasingly challenging environment. The Foundation is in a healthy position to continue on the succesful path it has been travelling for the past ten years (some 130 succesful scholars to date).