The vital agriculture and food sector in Shropshire can prosper in 2011 – because it has an ally in the coalition government, a county MP claimed today.

North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson said the Con-Lib coalition was “pro-farming” and “pro-countryside,” which heralded better times ahead for the industry as it emerged from the recent recession.

Mr Paterson was speaking as he officially opened the National Farming Union’s new office in Market Drayton at Walkmill business park.

He said: “I hope that now we have a Government which is pro-farming and pro-countryside that agriculture and food production in North Shropshire will really prosper.”

The MP added: “I am delighted to have been asked to open the new office, after several years of working closely with the Market Drayton NFU.

“They have done great work through many difficult years for farming, keeping their membership up and serving the local agricultural community.”

The office was established for around 20 years at Maer Lane but moved to Walkmill business park to help it grow.

Rebecca Millard, NFU Market Drayton and Whitchurch group secretary, said it offered more space and meeting rooms.