LIFE after Brexit was the main topic farmers wanted to discuss with the deputy president of the NFU when she visited the area this week.

Minette Batters met farmers in Wensleydale and Teesdale on Tuesday and Wednesday and it was shaping the UK's agricultural policy after leaving the European Union that was the centre of debate.

It was agreed the NFU must stress the high standards of food safety and animal welfare that British farmers meet and the quality assurance schemes such as Red Tractor.

But it was also important to highlight the other services and benefits farmers provide such as their care of the environment, landscapes and wildlife, and providing safe water and renewable energy.

Mrs Batters said: "We have to make the case for what we do for society as guardians of 71 per cent of the UK, it is much bigger than just producing food."

Although Brexit presented enormous risks she also believed it was an exciting time for British agriculture and presented many opportunities – not least boosting procurement of British food by schools, hospitals and government departments.

Mrs Batters said European regulations had meant this had been "incredibly slow" but Brexit meant there would be no trade restrictions.

"I do think it is an exciting time but we also have to be really positive about it," she said, adding that survey after survey had shown the public wanted to be able to buy more British food.

Most farmers she had spoken to wanted to be able to farm without subsidies but that would require markets that delivered fair prices – dairying was clearly one that was not working for all producers.

The NFU starts a nationwide consultation of farmers on August 15 after which it will use their thoughts to draw up its own UK agricultural policy.

The meetings will be for members and non-members, and the NFU is particularly keen to hear from young farmers.