A Hampshire MP has praised British farmers and growers for their hard work.

Caroline Nokes, MP for Romsey and Southampton North, expressed her support for the sector on Back British Farming Day, which took place on Wednesday, September 11.

The day highlighted the vital role farmers play in the UK, from producing food to caring for the countryside and providing jobs.

Caroline Nokes MP said: "British farmers and growers do a fantastic job of providing the nation with high-quality, climate-friendly food alongside being caretakers of our cherished landscapes. I want to say a huge thank you to the farmers and growers in Romsey and Southampton North for their continued hard work to deliver the UK’s food security and the treasured role that they play in the social fabric of the countryside.

"It is clear the British public value our farmers and growers, with results of a recent NFU survey showing 91 per cent of respondents feel that farming is important to the UK economy. They are valuable contributors to our local and national economy, producing the raw ingredients for the food and drink sector which is worth £148 billion and employing more than 4 million people across the country.

"Despite several years of volatility and having faced into some of the worst flooding on record this past year, farmers and growers have been out in the fields and glasshouses providing food for our tables. I am proud to support farmers & growers and will campaign on behalf of our food producers to drive forward a future for them where they can be confident that the public’s support is backed up by policies and are part of the plan for growth."

In Hampshire alone, there are more than 2,100 farms covering almost 531,000 acres.

These farms employ over 7,000 people and contribute nearly £231 million to Hampshire and the Isle of Wight’s economy.

This figure does not include the impact of related industries and the broader food and drink sector.

Hampshire is known for its varied produce, including lamb, beef, and watercress.