NEW figures from the Government show how the farming crisis "has cut into the heart of farming", reports the National Farmers' Union.

In the 12 months to June of this year, 23,800 farmers and farm workers in England left the industry.

"These figures are a dire reflection of the continuing desperate situation in British agriculture," said NFU president Ben Gill. "They illustrate what we have warned: that the crisis has cut so deeply into the heart of farming in this country that, in spite of the survival instincts of our farmers, many simply cannot carry on."

The depressing figures add to the stark picture of the industry's £10 billion in bank borrowings, a 70pc drop in farm incomes over the last five years and investment levels at their lowest level since the 1970s.

"Farmers are doing all they can to hang on to their businesses. All have cut their costs to the bone and many have diversified their businesses," said Mr Gill. "Sadly, many farmers have been forced to lay off workers and, as a result, are now working ridiculously long hours. A year ago, a NFU audit showed 62pc of farmers and growers were working more than 61 hours a week.

"The industry is punch drunk from the constant bombardment of paperwork, regulation and red tape. What we need is for the Government and the public to demonstrate that they value and support British agriculture and the protection of their countryside."