Three MPs and a police chief were given a breakfast-time rundown on what is needed to make British farming successful again.

They were treated to breakfast this morning (July 8) at Woods Farm, Watlington, the home of David Orpwood, chairman of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire branch of the National Farmers' Union.

At the briefing were MPs Boris Johnson (Henley), David Cameron (Witney) and Dr Evan Harris (West Oxford and Abingdon) with Thames Valley Police assistant chief constable Steve Love.

Farmer Paul Warburton, from Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, near Wallingford, told them about rural tourism and farm diversification, while farmer Anne Kellart, from Nettlebed, spoke about the positive role farmers play in conserving and enhancing the environment.

With them were NFU officials Shaun Leavy and Matthew Ware.

Ms Kellart, a council member for English Nature, wants MPs to lobby the Government to develop renewable energy resources and create new commercial opportunities for farmers and growers.

She said straw and other agricultural waste can be used as fuel, oilseed rape can be turned into biodiesel and wind power can generate electricity.

Mr Orpwood said: "We are glad these people took the trouble to find out what's happening to farming in the UK, particularly in their own regions. They have recognised that 80 per cent of land in their constituencies is farmed and produced wholesome food for the good of the community and the nation."