“Today British farming has lost one of its greatest ever advocates and the NFU has lost its greatest ever President,” Mrs Batters said.
“There was no one more passionate about British farming than Lord Plumb and he remained a great champion for the sector throughout his life. He worked with a constant energy and determination to ensure the importance of farming was recognised by policy makers and continued to highlight the importance of the sector throughout his time in the House of Lords.
“As President of the NFU throughout the 1970s, he was at the head of the organisation when Britain joined the European Union. His success in guiding the NFU through a turbulent period came from his great ability to persuade through discussion and well-reasoned argument.
“Following his nine-year Presidency of the NFU, he became a Member of the European Parliament and was later elected as its President.
“His impact on British farming during a career in agriculture and politics that spanned decades cannot be underestimated. His passion, dedication and sheer hard work on behalf of, and for, our industry was an inspiration to me and to many others.
“He was a truly remarkable man. He was committed, fearless and the most charming man you could meet.
“His loss will be deeply felt and our sympathies are with his family at this sad time.”