THE NFU is to hold a series of meetings for members about the possible impact of Britain leaving or staying in the European Union.

Adam Bedford heads the NFU office in Brussels but will become the new North-East regional director in April, said the debate is dogged by uncertainty – not just about what Britain’s agricultural policies could look like in the event of a Brexit, but over future developments within Europe should Britain continue as a member state.

He said: "We are determined to try and present farmers with factual information to help them make up their minds.

"We have already produced a detailed report examining the current relationship with Brussels and have commissioned a leading Dutch agricultural university to model the potential impact of remaining in or leaving the EU. The findings will be published at the end of March."

On the back of this, four meetings will be held in April when Mr Bedford will present the findings of both ahead of the April NFU Council meeting when its official position on the in/out debate will be discussed.

The meetings are on Tuesday, April 5 at The Bridge Hotel, Walshford, at 12.30pm; and at Bishop Burton College, 7.30pm; on Thursday, April 7, at Kirkley Hall, Ponteland, at 12.30pm; and at the Holiday Inn, Scotch Corner, at 7.30pm.

Places should be booked on 01904 451550 or by emailing north.east@nfu.org.uk.