The new chairman of a rural policy group has said the debate over whether Britain will leave the European Union will be the biggest issue facing farmers this year.

Emeritus Professor Allan Buckwell, who leads the Kent branch of the Country Land and Business Association, known as the CLA, said Brexit is the most “strategically important question facing rural areas since the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846”.

The agricultural economist, who works part-time for the Institute for European Environmental Policy as senior research fellow, said agriculture is an important aspect of EU policy and budget.

He said: “It is vital that rural businesses have confidence that all eventualities are being planned for, to prevent uncertainty hampering investment, job creation and growth.”

Mr Buckwell, who lives in Whitstable and is a former professor at Wye College, said broadband will also continue to be an important issue for many rural businesses in Kent.

He said: “New Government plans to introduce a universal service obligation for broadband of 10Mbps by the end of this Parliament is welcome to those affected by poor broadband, and the CLA will continue its campaign to ensure this pledge becomes a reality.”

The CLA also anticipates that rural crime will continue to be a challenge for the 800 farmers and landowners it represents in Kent.

A survey by the National Rural Crime Network in 2015 estimated that the cost of crime in rural areas in England and Wales could be in excess of £800 million.

“The CLA will continue to work closely with Kent Police and initiatives such as CRAG to reduce the impact on farmers and rural businesses and we certainly endorse the smart phone app, Country Eye as an excellent way of reporting and drawing attention to rural crime,” said Mr Buckwell, who was elected in November.

He added: “There are some big decisions ahead and positive opportunities for Kent’s rural community.

“As always, the CLA will be representing the interests of farmers, landowners and all rural businesses in discussions with local and national Government and in Europe, as the new year gets underway.”