SHOCK government figures show that 23,800 farmers and farmworkers left the industry in the 12 months to June this year - the equivalent of 450 a week.

It means that, in England alone, 41,100 people have left the industry in the last two years - the biggest exodus in living memory.

Mr Ben Gill, NFU president, said the figures showed the dire situation the industry was still in.

"They illustrate what we have warned: that the crisis has cut so deeply into the heart of farming in this country that, in spite of the survival instincts of our farmers, many simply cannot carry on," he said.

The depressing figures are in addition to the stark picture of the industry's £10bn in bank borrowings; the 70pc drop in farm incomes over the last five years, and investment levels at their lowest since the 1970s.

"Farmers are doing all they can to hang on to their businesses," said Mr Gill. "All have cut their costs to the bone and many have diversified their businesses.

"Sadly, many farmers have been forced to lay off workers and, as a result, are now working ridiculously long hours."

An NFU audit 12 months ago showed 62pc of farmers and growers were working more than 61 hours a week.

"It is small wonder that the ethos of working longer for less is crippling the industry, raising stress levels on the farm and forcing more and more people out of the industry at an alarming rate," said Mr Gill.

The NFU says it is vital that the haemorrhaging of jobs and skills from the industry is halted.

Action to control the strength of sterling, reduce the regulatory burden, and to implement pledges made in the Rural White Paper were now desperately needed.

"The industry is punch drunk from the constant bombardment of paperwork, regulation and red tape," said Mr Gill. "We need the government and public to demonstrate that they value and support British agriculture and the protection of the countryside."