UK farmers have warned against Britain leaving the European Union claiming it is a "risk we cannot afford to take".

In a letter in The Times (£), 39 leading figures from the industry called for Britain to remain a member of the EU and launched the 'Farmers for In' campaign.

Led by former National Farmers' Union President, Sir Peter Kendall, the letter has been signed by prominent members of the farming community, including former President of the European Parliament Sir Jim Paice, and former Minister for Agriculture and Food George Lyon.

Being part of the world's biggest trading block is crucial to the future of our farming and food industry. Not only does it give us direct access to 500 million of the richest consumers in the world but more EU free trade agreements with more than 50 countries mean we can sell into burgeoning markets across the globe. > Former National Farmers' Union President, Sir Peter Kendall

The letter adds: "The European Single Market accounts for 73% of Britain's agri-food exports and gives us access to a market more than twice the size of the USA.

"Outside the EU we could keep all or some of this market, but we would have to abide by EU regulations without a say in their formation and pay into the EU budget without receiving EU payments in return. We'd pay, but have no say.

"Leaving the EU is a risk we cannot afford to take. It would mean reducing our access to our most important market, little or no reduction in regulation, no influence on future rules, the speedy abolition of direct support and an uncertain future for UK agriculture."