Farmers have raised concerns over rising costs and proposed policy changes during a meeting with Andover's MP.
Kit Malthouse met with farmers from across North West Hampshire during a visit to the Charles Church Partnership in Micheldever, accompanied by representatives from the National Farmers’ Union (NFU).
Discussions focused on issues such as rural crime, the impact of the recent hot weather and increasing business costs.
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Farmers voiced particular concerns about proposed new arrangements with the EU that could introduce new regulations, especially around crop protection and new technologies.
They also raised the issue of a new carbon tax on imported fertiliser, warning that it could drive up already rising costs.
Mr Malthouse said: "It was good to meet local farmers and hear first-hand about the latest pressures they are facing.
"It’s been a particularly challenging year, with the hot summer adding to rising costs and all the uncertainty farmers have to deal with."
He stressed the need for government policy to support, not hinder, the industry.
Mr Malthouse said: "Farming is a tough business at the best of times, and government policy shouldn’t make it tougher.
"Whether it’s rising fertiliser costs, unfair competition from overseas, or the detail of a proposed EU deal around crop protection, ministers need to listen to farmers so they can keep producing the food we all rely on."
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