A visit to the House of Lords yesterday was a chance to meet with those with a clear interest in helping to tackle the emergence of simple, populist and sadly often aggressive and unbalanced ‘anti-farming’ messaging.

It’s a sad fact that minorities will rubbish and even actively attack those presenting strong and credible views in support of the UK agricultural industry. It’s a communications challenge in itself and one that threatens to silence a majority.

Acting in my role as Chairman of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists is an opportunity to reach out and readdress the balance and is something I’m keen to champion in this role and I’m hopeful that there’s an opportunity for the Guild and its 450-strong membership to ensure farming gets its side of the story heard.