David Cameron has placed a buoyant farming industry and a thriving countryside at the heart of his vision for Britain to remain a global power ahead of a visit to the North Devon country show today.
Writing exclusively for the Western Morning News, the Prime Minister argues agriculture is the "backbone" of the country, adding: "For Britain to succeed in the years ahead, we need our farms to be strong and successful."
While the Conservative Party leader contends the Government is in sharp contrast to Labour, which "ignored" the countryside, he says farmers could not rely on "unlimited" EU subsidies.
Mr Cameron, who has described himself as a "country boy" who loved hunting and shooting growing up, is writing ahead of meeting farmers in Devon today.
To help farming "stand tall in the years to come", he says ministers are breaking down trade barriers to get more British produce on supermarket shelves overseas, and cites Newton Abbot-based butcher Westaways, which flew 43,000 sausages to China and Japan in just a week.
The Prime Minister also says investment in "the best science" will help farmers to be more profitable, and that reform of the controversial Common Agricultural Policy would mean farmers will be compensated for environmental work such as protecting wildlife, on top of the "vital role in producing food".
But producers in the region have criticised the reform of farming subsidies, fearing Britain will be disadvantaged by receiving less in support payments than rivals in any other EU member state.
Mr Cameron goes on to say rural towns and villages also need better internet connections, are blighted by poor bus and train routes and have been hit frequently by flooding.
"These are all issues we are working hard to change for the better, making sure that you are no longer forgotten," he writes.
Despite committing millions to major flood defence schemes in the region and high-speed broadband in Devon and Somerset – with Cornwall's network paid for by EU aid – ministers have drawn criticism for cuts and delays.
The article is the first time the Prime Minister has included farming in his "global race" thesis, arguing that Britain without reform risks slipping economically and socially in a world where China is the biggest economy and US-led Western dominance is under threat.
"Farmers are the backbone of Britain," he writes.
"I know just how tough recent years have been. Floods, droughts, heatwaves – not to mention a Labour government who barely gave the countryside a second thought – have all taken their toll on people's livelihoods.
"Farmers need support more than ever. By this I don't mean warm words with nothing delivered, and nor do I mean unlimited handouts with nothing expected in return. Instead, this Government is putting in place a series of practical steps to make sure that British farming can stand tall in the years to come."
He goes on to tell farmers the coalition Government is "on your side", adding: "For centuries farming has been one of this island's success stories, second to none around the globe. I will do everything I can to keep it that way."
Mr Cameron is a regular visitor to the Westcountry, and will once again head to Cornwall with his family for their summer holiday this month as MPs are away from Parliament during recess.
David Cameron: Farming is a UK success story - I'll fight to keep it that way
