A Suffolk farming graduate has become an ambassador for the industry.

Tom McVeigh, from Kenton Hall, near Debenham, is one of 11 people chosen from more than 70 applicants by the National Farmers' Union (NFU) to be its Student & Young Farmer Ambassadors.

The arable farmer - who graduated from the University of Reading with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and business management in 2018 - will play a vital role promoting the sector at a crucial moment.

"I live and breathe farming so I’m delighted to be selected as a farming ambassador and I can’t wait to get started," said Tom.

"I’m looking forward to meeting new people, engaging with MPs and getting involved in helping to move agriculture forward.

"I believe the long-term future of farming is dependent on huge changes. We need new entrants in agriculture and to make the most of new technology and new ways of farming the land.

"One of my aims is to find out as much as possible about new agricultural and environmental policies.

"I’m participating in the Sustainable Farming Incentive pilot scheme and this winter I’m implementing my first agroforestry project as part of a wider experimental farming system."

NFU president Minette Batters said this year's cohort of young ambassadors were "talented and passionate".

"Arguably, there has never been a more important time for British food and farming," she said.

"The past three years have shown what a fantastic opportunity we have with our ambassadors to tell our positive story, from producing high quality food, to our care for the environment and our crucial work towards British agriculture being net zero by 2040."