Defra Secretary Steve Reed said: "Íæż½ã½ã across Britain make an incredible contribution to our country. But confidence is at record lows after 14 years of Conservative failure. This new Government will introduce a new deal for farmers to boost rural economic growth and strengthen our food security."
Defra Secretary Steve Reed is under pressure after visiting only one farm since Labour won the General Election in July.
Over five months have passed since the Party won the election on July 4, and Mr Reed has visited only one farm in that time.
The visit took place on September 25 when the Defra Secretary was accompanied by APHA staff to hear farmers' concerns about bluetongue and the impacts it was having on businesses.
Great Yarmouth MP Rupert Lowe, who is also an arable farmer, asked a question to Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner in the House of Commons on December 5 about the number of farms Mr Reed had visited since July 5, the date when he was appointed in the position.
Mr Zeichner responded by stating the Defra Secretary had undertaken 'frequent engagement' with farmers since the election, including attendances at the Great Yorkshire Show and the CLA Annual Conference.
The Farming Minister also said Mr Reed has also met with NFU president Tom Bradshaw 'frequently' as well.
However, the MP for Cambridge said Mr Reed had visited 'a farm' in September to hear how Essex farmers had been affected by bluetongue.
Mr Lowe said he was disappointed by the 'lack of visits on farm' undertaken by the Defra Secretary, and claimed it demonstrated how Labour had 'not even tried' to understand rural Britain and British farming.
The Defra Secretary said measures announced in the Budget will provide farmers with a fresh 'start' which would 'boost rural economic growth and strengthen the UK's food security'.
Defra said Mr Reed has helped to secure the largest farming Budget and has helped to promote the sector since taking office.
"The Secretary of State has championed British farming and rural communities from the moment he took office – speaking with farmers and holding regular meetings with organisations such as the NFU, CLA and Tenant Íæż½ã½ã Association," the spokesperson added.
"Against the challenges of the £22 billion hole in the public finances, he has secured £5 billion for farming over the next two years - the largest ever directed at sustainable food production in our country's history."
