Ledbury’s MP has welcomed fresh investment in British farming.

New investment in the industry was announced at the UK Farm to Fork Summit this week.

Representatives from the whole food supply chain came together at 10 Downing Street for the summit, to identify further opportunities to boost growth, drive innovation and improve sustainability.

Sir Bill Wiggin, the MP for North Herefordshire, said: “I know how much pride farmers in North Herefordshire take in the quality of the food they produce.

“So it is great to see the Prime Minister recognising their efforts by hosting this summit.

READ MORE: Sir Bill Wiggin MP criticises decision to jail John Price

“Farmers are the engine of our local economy bringing jobs and opportunity to Herefordshire. I welcome the new investment and support to the industry that has been announced.”

Environment secretary Thérèse Coffey added: “Our British farmers and food producers are the backbone of the rural economy and crucial to our food security.

“We want to promote growth, investment and put more UK food and drink on plates – both at home and abroad.”

Mew measures set out by the government include a new framework for trade negotiations and a £5.6 million additional investment to boost exports of British food around the world.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “I will always back British farmers, and I pay tribute to their hard work and dedication all year round which keeps shelves stocked and food on our tables.

“Supporting our farmers and food producers must, and always will be, at the heart of our plans to grow the economy and build a more prosperous country.

“That’s why I’m proud to host this summit, and working together, I’m determined to build resilience, strengthen our food security and champion the best of British at home and overseas.”

National Farmers’ Union president Minette Batters told the PA news agency the food summit was “timely”.

The union leader said she had 10 minutes alone with Mr Sunak and spoke to him about the widescale drop in egg production, the supermarket rationing seen earlier this year of salad ingredients and how to make Britain more self-sufficient.

She said: “I’m really confident that he gets the issue. He is from a very rural constituency, farming is at the heart of his constituency.”