The countryside vote will be key at next year's General Election, a farming leader has told Suffolk farmers.

National Farmers' Union (NFU) deputy president Tom Bradshaw told members gathered for the county's annual general meeting at Fynn Valley Golf Club at Witnesham, near Ipswich, they would be pushing the food production and farming agenda.

"We have got a really important election coming up in the next 12 months and the rural vote is very important in that election," he said. "That puts us in prime position as we go into that election."

The AGM, which took place on Tuesday, heard that the industry was facing a "pivotal" time.

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The move towards a new payment scheme for farmers through the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) had been difficult, farmers heard, but things were improving.

However, flooding and weather conditions were playing havoc. "The countryside looks really sad. It's a very challenging harvest," said Mr Bradshaw, who farms near Colchester. 

"Then we look at what's going to be coming from the autumn planting and it's a pretty bleak picture out there."

Guest speakers also included Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore.

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Other issues discussed included national food security, fairness in the supply chain, watercourse management, rural crime and farm support payments.

The NFU is due to release its own manifesto - aimed at influencing the political debate - in December.

"The government and retailers need to demonstrate that they take national food security seriously and fairness in the supply chain is a key part of this," said Mr Bradshaw.

"We need action, not just words. We need policy and planning to properly address the issue. 

"The long-term consequences of not having a thriving domestic food industry is unthinkable."

He added: "The last six weeks shows that flooding continues to be a huge issue for farmers and the wider community.

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"The government needs to address the role of the Environment Agency so it is able to properly protect us from flooding which is a key strand of domestic food security.

"Where flooding does occur and farmers take action to protect communities, they should be properly rewarded for this vital public service."