North Devon farmer warns rising costs are hitting farming

• A north Devon farmer who is also regional chairman of the National Farmers' Union says British agriculture faces rising costs, global instability and livestock disease. • He pointed to drought, fuel and fertiliser costs and the continuing effects of bluetongue, and said conflicts abroad were pushing up input prices. • The NFU wants the next Budget to strengthen food security. • A government spokesperson said it was working closely with farmers and the union to make sure the sector gets the backing it needs.