In a fiery debate at the Oxford Real Farming Conference, George Monbiot’s vision that synthetic food would replace most agricultural production in the next few decades was greeted with disbelief and derision.

The Government’s chief food adviser has called the current debate on meat eating an unpleasant dialogue of the deaf.

Consumers will want a greater stake in how their food is produced and demand it help improve their health and that of the planet over the coming 10 years.

Under the deal, China agreed to import $200bn (£153bn) of US goods to help address the trade imbalance between the two countries.

A focus on efficiency and acquisitions helped dairy ingredient processor Meadow Foods increase profits by 16 per cent in the year to March 31, 2019.