Farmers across East Anglia are being encouraged to make their voices heard in the debate about Britain's future in Europe, by joining a series of regional meetings.

The National Farmers' Union (NFU) said the referendum result could have significant implications for the industry, particularly given the impact of Brussels legislation, the trading relationship with the EU and the financial support available through the Common Agricultural Policy.

The union has commissioned a leading Dutch Agricultural University to model the potential impacts of remaining in or leaving the EU, and the key findings will be presented at the meetings by NFU policy director Andrew Clark.

NFU East Anglia's regional director Robert Sheasby said: 'The referendum is a once-in-a-generation event and, whichever way the result goes, it will have crucial implications for British agriculture.

'At the moment the debate is still clouded by uncertainty, not just about what Britain's agricultural policies could look like if we leave the EU, but also over future developments within Europe should Britain continue as a member state.

'We are determined to present farmers with as much factual information as possible to help them make up their minds.'

The meeting dates include:

• April 6, 1.30pm: NFU Regional Office, Newmarket

• April 6, 7.30pm: Trinity Park, Ipswich

• April 7, 9.30am: Barnham Broom Hotel, Norfolk

• April 7, 7.30pm: East of England Showground, Peterborough

The evening meetings at Ipswich and Peterborough will also involve a debate with speakers from the Remain and the Leave campaigns.

Sir Jim Paice, former Conservative MP and farming minister, will speak for the Remain campaign at both events, while the speakers for the Leave campaign will be Peter Davis, a Lincolnshire grower and importer/exporter of fruit and vegetables at Peterborough, and Bernard Jenkin, Conservative MP for Harwich and North Essex, at Ipswich.

Mr Sheasby added: 'We appreciate that the timing is challenging, with April a very busy month for many, but we are keen to get our members' views to feed into the next NFU Council meeting later in April, when our official position on the remain or leave debate will be discussed.'

Anyone wishing to attend must book a place by calling 01638 672100 or emailing meetingsea@nfu.org.uk.