WEST Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger has welcomed a £3 billion Government cash injection for British agriculture - but has called on ministers to commit themselves to long-term support for the sector.

This week, Chancellor Sajid Javid has confirmed the cash is being made available for agricultural development projects once Britain leaves the EU.

He says it will provide guaranteed payments until 2023.

But Mr Liddell-Grainger says without longer-term support many farmers would find it hard to survive after being generously subsidised for so long.

"A lot of consumers may still not be aware of this but British agriculture has been receiving £3.5 billion a year from the EU," he said.

"It’s only thanks to those payments that food prices have remained so low; if they had had to survive on what the supermarkets have paid them, many farmers would have gone to the wall long ago.

"The inference is clear. Either the supermarkets will have to hand over more of their profits in the shape of better farm prices, or we shall have to continue supporting farmers until the industry can be gradually weaned off subsidies.

"I know many farmers say they would prefer to operate in a subsidy-free environment but that is something that can only be achieved gradually."

He said the quality of produce from UK farmers meant higher production costs, leaving the industry vulnerable to competition from other countries.

"Unless farmers are helped to cover those costs then they are going to be left dangerously exposed to cheaper imports, particularly from the EU where, of course, farm subsidies will continue to be paid, albeit at a slightly lower rate," he added.

The Chancellor said: "When we leave the EU and are freed from the Common Agricultural Policy, we will be able to support our vital rural communities – who are a cornerstone of life in the UK – with a fairer and less bureaucratic system.

"Farmers can enter the New Year with confidence that they have our backing and will be able to thrive after Brexit."

And Environment Secretary, Theresa Villiers, said farmers who maintain standards and enhance the environment would be rewarded.

"We are committed to making sure our rural communities feel the benefits of Brexit and will ensure our farmers get a better deal," she added.