Former Clarkson’s Farm personality Harriet Cowan has called on the government to provide greater financial backing for British agriculture, warning the sector could become “a dying industry” without proper support.

The 24-year-old Derbyshire farmer made her comments whilst supporting the Farm24 initiative on Thursday, which highlights the demanding work undertaken by agricultural workers during a 24-hour period.

“Going forward I hope the next generation of farmers would be recognised more by the public and the government especially to put British farming on the map,” Cowan stated on social media.

She urged authorities to allocate additional resources to the sector, saying: “People, be aware that we are here, and the Government should invest more time and money into farming because we need it. I think it’s a bit of a dying industry otherwise.”

Cowan gained recognition after appearing in the fourth series of the Amazon Prime programme, where she worked as a farmhand alongside presenter Jeremy Clarkson.

The young farmer joined the production as a stand-in whilst regular cast member Kaleb Cooper toured the UK following his rise to fame from the show.

Clarkson had joked about being “left in the lurch” before introducing viewers to Cowan, who rapidly gained popularity with audiences.

Her stint on the programme ended partway through the series when her assistance was no longer required, despite having established herself as a well-liked addition to the cast.

During a BBC Breakfast interview in June, she revealed there were currently no arrangements for her to return to the fifth series, though she remained available if needed.

The Farm24 campaign, which runs from 5am to 5am the following day, uses the hashtag #farm24 to demonstrate the intensive labour British farmers undertake daily.

Cowan expressed particular concern about younger agricultural workers receiving adequate recognition for their contributions to food production.

The initiative has secured backing from clothing brand Beaumont and Bear, who serve as the official clothing sponsor for the nationwide event.

In her social media posts supporting the campaign, Cowan emphasised the unique solidarity within agricultural circles, stating: “Being part of the community is probably the most rewarding part for me. You have your neighbours and you’re all in tune with each other.”

She highlighted how farmers support one another during difficult times, adding: “You can talk, and if you’re having problems, they’ll all be there to help you.”

The agricultural sector’s resilience depends on its tight-knit networks, according to Cowan, who described the mutual support system as unparalleled.

Her Instagram post emphasised that farmers facing challenges should remember they are “not alone” within the agricultural community.

The former television personality’s public statements coincide with her increased visibility following her Clarkson’s Farm appearance, which she acknowledged had surprised her.

“I didn’t realise so many people are interested in me and what I do day to day, I’ve never really thought of it as anything exciting. It’s just my little life,” she told BBC Breakfast.

Despite her newfound recognition, Cowan maintains her routine of farming before and after her regular employment, describing it simply as getting up to “farm, go to work, come back and farm.”