The NFU is urging the government to ensure an orderly Brexit while Dorset Council continues to plan for all eventualities.

The NFU has declared its stance that a smooth departure from the European Union, including free and frictionless trade, is necessary for the British food production industry, and is imploring the new Prime Minister Boris Johnson to ensure these measures are met.

Dorset Council is preparing for any eventuality of how the UK leaves the EU.

John Sellgren, Executive Director for Place and Dorset Councils lead on Brexit said: "We have been planning, on a multi-agency basis, for either Brexit scenarios and will continue to do so."

NFU President Minette Batters congratulated Johnson on his recent election, and wrote him a letter highlighting the NFU's desire for a trade deal with the EU upon the point of leaving the bloc, as well as some other priorities including stimulating the farming business, addressing climate change and promoting high food standards.

Mrs Batters said: "British farming is one of the nation’s most important assets, delivering safe, traceable and affordable food to millions, all while taking care of the beautiful countryside we have such great pride in.

"It underpins the nation’s largest manufacturing sector, food and drink, contributing more than £120 billion to the economy and employing almost four million people.

"To achieve the best outcome from Brexit, we need to leave the EU in a smooth and orderly way. A deal with the EU is crucial to maintaining free trade with our closest neighbours and largest trading partners, as well as access to people that want to come to the UK to work on farms.

"Mr Johnson has an opportunity to develop a new agricultural policy that works for Britain by creating a sustainable, vibrant and competitive future for our farming sector.

"We need to see policies that allow farm business to innovate, that help farmers rise to the challenge of tackling climate change, that enable farms access to the workers that pick, pack and grade our fruit, veg and flowers, and crucially an Agriculture Bill that is fit for purpose for the rising challenges of food production.

"I look forward to working with the incoming Prime Minister and his Government to ensure we can achieve this and that British farming is recognised as strategically important for the nation.

"I would also like to thank Theresa May for her efforts as Prime Minister and her willingness to engage with the food and farming sector at such a crucial time."