WORKING the quiet tapestry of land sweeping across Dorset, a community are split in a turbulent debate.

Farmers in the region remain divided over whether Britain should leave the European Union.

The National Farmers Union (NFU) which represents 48,000 farming businesses across Britain has decided to back the Remain campaign in the run up to the EU referendum.

The NFU ruled staying in the EU was in Britain’s best interests on balance but has stressed it respected the ‘diversity of views’ among its members and would not be actively campaigning.

“We’re just as divided as the rest of the country. There is so much uncertainty about it,” said Trevor Cligg, Dorset’s NFU chairman.

“We may be a relatively small community but regardless of the political party, it’s always an urban government centred on an urban population and I don’t think many politicians appreciate farmers are a cornerstone of the economy and any decision could have huge consequences.”

Trevor, who runs a 1,000 acre organic dairy farm with 600 cattle, said his biggest concern is the access to EU markets if the UK votes leave.

Of the UK’s agricultural exports, just over 63 per cent went to the EU with about 36 per cent going to the rest of the world.

For Trevor, that makes the EU a crucial outlet and is why he will be voting to remain.

He said: “The biggest concern for farmers is the single market and the loss of access. Anything that threatens access to markets is a huge worry. "

James Cossins, who runs a 2,200 acre dairy, beef and arable farm at Tarrant Monkton, will also be voting to stay.

“The farming industry has long-established links to Europe and any change to that situation could have profound effects.”

The Common Agricultural Policy is a cornerstone of the EU, costing nearly 40pc of its budget or €58bn a year.

Set up in 1957 to sustain the EU’s food supplies by boosting agricultural productivity, the CAP provides financial support to some 12m farmers across Europe.

James said for many farmers, these EU subsidies are a lifeline – and promises of funding if Britain votes leave are too risky.

In 2014, the most recent year with confirmed figures, UK farms received £3.19bn. The average payment was £17,735. The highest was almost £2m.

James, a fifth generation farmer, said: “We need stability in agriculture at the moment. It is a tough time for the industry. We get 18 or 19p a litre for milk but it costs 24 or 25p to produce.

“We need to do everything we can to support our family and livelihood and for me, staying in is the best way forward.

“To come out would provide instability and volatility. The nature of our industry is long term planning so we need to know what the future is.”

Farmers also fear how farms would operate if they lost the thousands of EU farm workers they rely on, particularly at harvest time.

But like every point in the debate there’s a counter argument.

According to Trevor and James, farmers who are poised to vote leave are fed up with the notorious 'red tape' coming from the EU.

They also feel if the UK did withdraw, trade with Europe would not be over as the UK imports more than it exports so negotiations could take place.

Younger farmers also feel it is time to put the future of farming in their own hands and without Europe, could control farming subsidies better.

Trevor added: “We’re all waiting the outcome of the referendum with trepidation.

“There are many split views. Though we may be financially better if we stay in, some are going to vote with their heart to vote out. And for some farmers, I know it will be a case of making their minds up there and then at the ballot station.

“Once the referendum is over, we can only hope the country unites, farmers unite and we move forward.”