The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society (NFU) has announced TV chef Jimmy Doherty as its new small farm ambassador, where his job will be to promote the work small farmers do producing high quality food, protecting the environment and playing a leading role in the rural community.

Doherty commented 'We need small farms to look after the land, keep rare breeds going and to hold the fabric of the countryside together. Small farmers have a great story to tell – but are so busy working that they don't get the chance to talk about the great work they're doing so I hope to be able to use this role to spread the message and support farmers - from those who have just started out, to families who have been working the land for generations'.