The fact the Labour candidate didn’t bother to turn up to the NFU’s farming hustings this week is almost certainly because Labour, with only 80 words about farming in its manifesto, has nothing to offer farming communities but the prospect of abandonment and despair. Labour failed to commit even to preserving the current farming budget, let alone emulate the Conservative policy to increase it by £1-billion plus inflation over the next parliament to make the improved Sustainable Farming Incentive the success the countryside needs.

Labour will stop licensed wildlife control, which has caused a 55 per cent drop in the local incidence of bovine TB. Nobody who understands the harm BTB has caused and cares about a living working countryside could propose such a damaging policy. Left-wing demands for the “right to roam” continue and Labour is making noises about "increased public access” to farmland. Among so much else in Starmer’s “submarine” campaign, Labour remains evasive about the abolition of agricultural property relief, vital to farm business succession. We will need a strong and fearless voice to defend our rural communities, which I have been proud to call home for a quarter of a century. I am standing again to provide that voice.

Since being selected to stand as MP for Torridge and Tavistock, I have been listening to farmers. They are the very foundation of rural communities, and crucial to tackling food security, climate change, and the nature crisis – issues which affect every one of us.

Farmers have had a raw deal from the Conservative government. The transition to the new payments system has been badly handled. British food producers have been undermined in trade deals which do not guarantee UK food standards. Family farms have been put in jeopardy by increases in energy bills, the spiralling cost of animal feed and fertilisers, and unfavourable weather.

More and more farmers now recognise that it is the Lib Dems who have been listening to them, and who have policies which value British food production and farming. We will increase the farming budget by £1-billion annually to support profitable, sustainable and nature-friendly farming. Unlike other parties, we are committed to renegotiating the Australia and New Zealand trade agreements to guarantee animal welfare standards and ensure that Britain’s farmers are not put at an unfair disadvantage. The Liberal Democrats will stand up for British farmers.

Holsworthy and the surrounding area have long been associated with farming and agriculture, and it’s worthwhile taking a moment to look at the service sector which supports this vital industry.

The town is home to animal feed suppliers and retailers who specialise in agricultural supplies and equipment. The purpose-built £6-million livestock market, which opened on the outskirts of Holsworthy in 2014, has established itself as one of the leading auction centres in the South West, with 2,000 to 2,500 head of stock going under the hammer at its regular sales.

Then there are the businesses in the town that sell and service farming machinery; the agricultural engineers who keep this machinery on the road and in our fields. They play an invaluable role and should not be forgotten in discussions around farming.

This is just a snapshot of the businesses which are essential to the farming industry and, therefore, the local economy. It highlights the range of employment across the sector, from mechanics and engineers to HGV drivers and customer service assistants. Many local people outside of farming itself are reliant on a successful farming industry, which is why I will fight for fair deals for our farmers and businesses.

• Also standing: Alan Rayner (Independent), Andrew Jackson (Reform UK) and Judy Maciejowska (Green Party)