NFU Cymru deputy president Abi Reader questioned where the ‘800' figure for the amount of farms targeted for inspection had come from and what evidence it was based on, adding she hoped it was not a ‘witch hunt'

Mr Packham shared his views on X and claimed Richard Ayoade, who voiced the adverts, had been ‘conned' and the campaign went 'against all scientific evidence'

Ms Batters said whilst she had no regrets, she was 'saddened' recently by what she referred to as ‘splintering' in the agricultural sector, driven by farm assurance and people's views on Red Tractor

Farmers quizzed the NFU candidates on their priorities

The consultants also indicated to NFU Council that they have been made very aware of the heated debate around the topic and had heard opposing accounts of the process that was followed from respondents

The support payments will be available to all fully-certified organic farmers, not just those who were part of the previous Glastir Organic Scheme. Applications for payments must be submitted by May 15 2024

It was argued APHA had wrongly interpreted the law underpinning its compensation scheme and failed to properly compensate affected farmers for birds, which were healthy at the point at which it decided they should be culled

Farmers hoped the new chief executive would adopt a long-term vision where traditional Lakeland farming was recognised and rewarded for its benefits to local economy and a sustainable environment

The chief executive of the Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture, Stephen Jacob, said: "We need to influence the influences. If teachers and parents do not understand what the industry looks like and how food is produced, how are the children going to?"

FG's Chief Reporter, Rachael Brown, reflects on the need for Government to take better ownership of how agricultural policy and inspections directly impact farmers' mental health