The trials of running a Cornish farm were outlined to Tory leader, William Hague, when he addressed farmers and Conservative supporters at Philip Stephens' hilltop farm at Lamellion on Friday.

Mr Hague was accompanied on his visit to Liskeard by MEP Neil Parish, and agricultural spokesman David Harris, and also met up with NFU national leader Ben Gill. Local NFU and county landowner association representatives also joined the large turn-out of famers anxious to outline the dire straits the industry finds itself in in Cornwall.

Mr Gill opened proceedings by stressing the farmers' worries about financial problems and increasing bureaucracy, as well as the powerful pound and a Common Agricultural Policy which he said was totally unbalanced.

Mr Hague said he felt red tape and regulations needed to be tackled; legislation banning beef on the bone had to be lifted; the CAP needed reorganisation and Britain should prove itself not to be a 'pushover' in Europe.

Farmers attending asked for a lifting of limitations on cattle at 30 months, and requested that the age limit be raised to at least 36 months to enhance beef sales. Several speakers were angry at the incineration of tons of BSE-free animals and spoke of a consequent loss to the government as well as the farmer. The current low sale price of cattle was also emphasised, and speakers sought support for the small farmer under constant squeeze by big buyers in the marketplace.

Other subjects raised with the Tory leader involved Option One Euro funding for Cornwall, with many speaking of doubts about the government's will to let Cornwall take full advantage of these by providing 'matching' funds as a local contribution. There appeared to be agreement that no GM crops should be test-planted in Cornwall pending completion of a scientific policy review.

The single currency also came in for debate. Mr Hague said he stood by keeping the pound, but remained open to change if longer term circumstances proved this was required.

Local NFU chairman, Clive Coney, said he trusted Mr Hague had realised the importance of local farming views.

He added that most farmers believed their industry was 'sliding down a greasy pole'.