The president of the National Farmers Union (NFU) believes farming can play a central role in ensuring the UK is carbon neutral by the middle of the century.

Minette Batters responded to the Committee on Climate Change's Land Use: Policies for a Net Zero UK report on Thursday, which outlines what is needed for the UK to stay on track to meet its net zero requirements.

Mrs Batters welcomed the report's assertion that British farming produces some of the most sustainable food in the world, but knows the industry can do more.

"The report emphasises that we can’t risk importing food with a higher carbon footprint than food which has been produced in the UK," she said.

“A comprehensive approach across the whole UK economy is needed, and when it comes to farming we need to focus on the whole agricultural system. In the NFU’s own plans for net zero agriculture, planting trees and hedgerows to increase carbon stores on farmland play a crucial part, alongside increasing productivity – producing more from less – to deliver low-carbon farming as well as boosting renewable energy and bioenergy production.

“Plant-based products do not always necessarily have a lower impact on the environment. It all depends on where and how the ingredients have been produced, the environmental pressures involved in its production, the environmental management associated with that country’s agricultural system and the environmental resources available, as well as how far the product has travelled.

“Around 65 per cent of British land is only suitable for grazing livestock and we have the right climate to produce high quality red meat and dairy. Therefore it makes sense that, when talking about environmental impact, as the report suggests, the public continues to support British livestock production.

“Water is the world’s most valuable resource but it is coming under pressure. In the UK, we have the means to manage our water far better, and we need to see this replicated in government policy.

“We can also be far more ambitious when it comes to cutting food waste. The UK should be aiming for a 50 per cent waste reduction throughout the whole food supply chain, which would also relieve pressure on people to make dietary changes.

“British farmers are very much part of the solution. We want to be the model for climate-friendly food production around the world – food production that continues to include nutritious beef, lamb and dairy products for the world to enjoy in a healthy, balanced diet.”