The government’s failure to pay farmers properly for looking after the environment threatens to leave the UK unable to produce enough of its own food, says an influential think tank.

Norfolk farmer Michael Balls welcomed visitors to the launch of the new Norwich Monitor Farm last month – the Crown Point Estate at Kirby Bedon.

Plans to pay farmers more for looking after the environment have been welcomed – amid warnings that early adopters must not be unfairly penalised.

Next month’s Tendring Show will celebrate creativity in the countryside after last year saw more than 20,000 people flock to the one-day event.

Technology can show way forward

Actions speak louder than words, say farm leaders