Confidence of farmers is low, says Herefordshire's National Farmers Union chair
The National Farmers Union (NFU) are urging the government to increase funding for the sector
The county chair of the National Farmers Union (NFU) in Herefordshire says it's sad seeing the lack of confidence farmers have at the moment in the industry.
It comes as farming leaders are calling on the government to raise the UK's agricultural budget to give farmers the confidence to invest in the future and deliver climate-friendly farming.
Martin Williams says he's never seen the mood in agriculture this poor, and is concerned about some of worries farmers have and the situations they are facing.
He said: "I've met a lot of farmers over this summer, and they have absolutely no confidence in their industry at the moment, which is very sad.
"I've never seen the mood in agriculture so poor, and that can be helped by some stability, some investment going forward, some security in knowing that their industry isn't under so much threat.
"The UK is in a fantastic position to grow food and produce as climate change becomes more and more prevalent, we're sitting in an area of temperate climate where we will be able to produce food for longer, and therefore it seems silly to not invest in that going forward. "
Environment secretary Steve Reed says he recognises confidence among farmers is at "record lows", and the government will restore stability to the sector.