News & Business
Successful farm Brexit ‘will depend on proper progress’
• Two-year transition alone ‘not enough’ • Free flow needed for agri-food exports • Positive outcome vital for agriculture
M
ore effort is needed to en- sure a successful tran- sition for British farm-
ers and growers as the UK leaves the European Union, say indus- try leaders.
Prime minister Theresa May announced plans for a two-year transition period after the UK leaves the European Union in 2019. But the NFU said two years were the bare minimum needed to make progress in Brexit nego- tiations.
NFU president Meurig Ray-
mond said: “We believe at least two years are needed to ensure a smooth Brexit, while also agree- ing a future relationship between the EU and UK which recognises
their mutual importance in terms of trade.”
Further details Mr Raymond said an implemen- tation period would be crucial for the UK and EU to reach a Brex- it settlement that backed British farming. But he said further de- tails were required on exactly how such a transition would work. “Farmers and growers are be- coming increasingly alarmed at the prospect of a no deal depar- ture from the EU. The resulting disruption to trade, access to la- bour and business stability would pose a fundamental threat to the viability of many of their busi- nesses.”
With over 70% of UK food
and drink exports destined for EU markets, Mr Raymond wel- comed the prime minister’s confir- mation there is no intention to im- pose tariffs where none currently exist. This was a strong commit- ment to securing a free trade deal with the EU, he added. “Any agreement should main- tain as far as practicable the free flow of agri-food products be- tween the EU and UK, and fol- lowing [Mrs May’s] speech this remains a realistic prospect – al- though much now depends on proper progress being made in the negotiations.”
New arrangements CLA president Ross Murray said new arrangements would take time to develop: “We welcome the confirmation of a two-year transition period once the UK leaves the EU in 2019 so that
MPs pledge their support on Back British Farming Day
The importance and value of British farming and food to jobs and the regional economy was showcased in the House of Com- mons last month.
Nearly 200 MPs and peers, in-
cluding 18 from across the West Midlands, Herefordshire, Shrop- shire, Staffordshire, Warwick- shire and Worcestershire joined the NFU in Westminster on 13 September to celebrate British agriculture and horticulture. British farmers grow and rear
quality, assured, great tasting food and drink that has been pro- duced to rigorous welfare and en- vironmental standards. In the West Midlands they also provide
4 MIDLAND FARMER • OCTOBER 2017
nearly 43,000 jobs and puts more than £800 million into the econ- omy and communities. Back British Farming Day highlighted the value of food and farming and the politi- cians pledged their support as Britain looks to leave the EU. A pin badge, sourced from British businesses, including Shropshire wheat, was worn by the MPs dur- ing Prime Minister’s Questions. The goal was to highlight their commitment to agricul- ture and horticulture. In addi- tion farming also supports the work of other industries, such as vets, solicitors, surveyors and feed merchants and farmers ac-
tively manage the landscape to benefit habitat and species. NFU West Midlands regional director Rob Newbery said: “The contribution of food and farm- ing to the region and wider coun- try is extremely important. Our members and their businesses are vital to our cities, towns and rural communities and it is crit- ical to have the support of MPs. “We are feeding in our views ahead of Brexit and it is essen- tial they back the industry and recognise the value of the Brit- ish food and drink sector; this is worth around £109 billion and employs nearly four million peo- ple nationally.”
farmers can continue to trade their food products without be- ing penalised.
“This is a necessary time which
will provide certainty for farming businesses while the right trade agreements are put in place. It is vital that free and frictionless trade in agri-food products is maintained during this period to help farmers plan for the future outside of the EU.”
Transitional period Mr Murray said the transition- al period was also critical to en- sure any new policy to support UK farming and the environment in the long-term could be devel- oped and tested fully. This would inevitably take time, he warned. “We will continue to work with the government for a positive out- come for agriculture in negotia- tions and the best possible deal for UK food and farming.”
Bill Wiggin MP showing support for Back British Farming Day
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