Speaking to farming leaders, Dr John Sentamu said buying locally-produced food would help bolster the economy and claimed a "buy British" mindset would overcome many difficulties the industry has recently faced.

Dr Sentamu was speaking at the York East County National Farmers Union centenary dinner where he praised the agricultural community's "contribution to human survival".

Citing recent figures which showed about 40 per cent of the food eaten in the UK was imported, he voiced concerns about the power of globally sourcing supermarkets, the sharp decline in farm incomes, environmental issues and health concerns about food safety.

He added that the problems facing livestock farmers in particular could soon become too much to bear for many and drive them out of the industry – leading to the loss of many associated jobs across the country.

Dr Sentamu said: "Buying British, buying locally and buying directly from farmers can all help as simple measures.

"A Government-led campaign which promotes each of these would be a good start.

"I believe self-sufficiency is an increasingly important part of any domestic food security strategy, in which government and wider society must play their part.

"This does not mean a ban on any foods produced abroad but let's identify those foods which can be produced locally and let's urge a return to a 'buy British' mindset for the food that we eat.

"Not through some simplistic nationalism but rather because of the plain sense it makes in terms of economy, sustainability and security."

The archbishop also highlighted the problems faced by meat farmers and argued for more people to buy their meat locally:

"Let's take meat production as an example. The UK is the largest sheep producer in Europe and the third largest beef producer. What reason is there to be buying these meats from abroad?

"Animal welfare standards in the UK are second to none, likewise traceability arrangements. Additionally the Red Tractor assurance scheme gives consumers added confidence from farm to pack, and the entire process from farm to supermarket shelf.

"At a local level, grazing livestock are a key component in the rural economy, supporting feed businesses, veterinary practices, machinery dealers and repairers and agricultural merchants.

"If cattle and sheep disappear from the English uplands, they will take very many jobs with them," he added.

"A survey produced for the National Farmers Union by YouGov reported that 72 per cent of shoppers want to be able to buy British beef and lamb.

"And yet the situation for many livestock farmers is that they would be better off financially if they gave up producing cattle and sheep."