The CLA in the North says that the twin headlines of the election campaign and the grounding of aircraft because of volcanic ash should remind everyone of our vulnerability through depending too much on imports.

Douglas Chalmers, Director CLA North, said: “The main headline is of people being stranded, but behind this it is clear that all sorts of goods, including perishable foodstuffs, are simply not getting through to us.

“Missing the odd Alphonso mango may not constitute a crisis, but the situation does illustrate how much we take for granted. There is always readily available and cheap food on supermarket shelves, as well as clean water and energy at the turn of a tap or flick of a switch.

“The new Government must engage with EU negotiations on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy. In the days of plenty, financial wealth and relative political stability, we didn’t seem to worry about where everything came from, it was just there. Now we have financial instability, political uncertainty and an environment that appears to be fighting back.

“This situation really reminds us of the importance of maintaining a viable UK agricultural industry, with a clear remit to produce food for the nation. With health and education taking the electoral headlines, we mustn’t lose sight of the importance of safeguarding our food, as well as our water and energy while still having environmental security.

“Calling for a sensible European budget for agriculture is not just pandering to the farmers. It is essential for everyone’s futures”.