Agriculture has performed strongly through the recession, according to NFU chief economist Phil Bicknell.
He said the industry’s contribution to the economy increased by “a staggering 54 per cent” between 2007 and 2012.
He said: “Some exceptional climatic challenges have dampened performance in the short term, but the forecasts show the resilience of our industry and demonstrate how some sectors are making steps towards recovery.
“It is vital we have viable and successful farming businesses at the foundation of our agri-food sector.”
He said DEFRA’s latest Farm Business Income statistics, showing signs of recovery, had to be put into context.