Among those attending and showing her unwavering support for the Northern Ireland agri-food sector was Carla Lockhart MP, the DUP’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson.

She said: “I am delighted to have had the opportunity to join fellow politicians, representatives from farming unions and industry stakeholders, to stand with our incredible farmers who work tirelessly to feed the nation and protect our countryside.

“This event is all about championing British farming and highlighting the importance of agriculture to our local communities and the wider economy. Northern Ireland agriculture supports more than 70,000 jobs and its total gross output was worth more than £3.19 billion last year.

“I was proud to display a head of wheat in my lapel, a visible sign of support and solidarity for the UK’s agri-food sector. Agriculture is ranked second behind nursing as the most respected profession in the UK.”

Ms Lockhart added: “Back British Farming day is a fantastic time to celebrate our heritage, our countryside and our farmers. Following last week’s government reshuffle and the appointment of two new DEFRA Ministers, the timing of the event was a perfect opportunity to highlight the importance of UK agriculture. The Labour government needs to forge a partnership and build trust with farmers.

“I was pleased to meet with NFU president Tom Bradshaw, as he continues to campaign for fair treatment for farmers and a thriving future for British agriculture.

“Farmers are facing many challenges including weather, TB, volatile market prices and bureaucratic red tape, but the main one in Westminster is the family farm tax. We will stand united, continue to fight and try to make the government see sense. The inheritance tax changes, in their current format, will decimate farms throughout the UK and drive farmers out of business.

“This will destroy businesses, impact succession planning and jeopardise food security. The fight continues as we try to protect the very people who put fully traceable and nutritious food on our tables.”

Just days into office and speaking at the Back British Farming event, the new DEFRA secretary Emma Reynolds MP said she wants to “do more to help farmers and provide the certainty and confidence they need to invest in the future.”

The Upper Bann MP concluded: “The Prime Minister and the Chancellor remain blinkered, but perhaps the two new DEFRA appointees will have a different perspective on the pending inheritance tax proposals.”