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EU MUST MAINTAIN CONTINUITY OF MARKETS FOR LIVESTOCK AND FEED PRODUCTS DURING UK/EU BREXIT NEGOTIATIONS FEFAC calls for collaborative efforts between the UK and the EU-27 to avoid any disruption in agricultural trade as from the start of the formal Brexit negotiations. FEFAC draws attention to the sensitivity of the Article 50


discussions for agricultural markets and warns for potential impacts on the livestock and feed chain, both in the UK and the EU-27. FEFAC stresses the need to implement effective safeguard measures during the entire negotiation period to maintain fully functioning and accessible agricultural markets, in the interest of all European consumers, livestock farmers and market partners. FEFAC members are convinced that a comprehensive free trade


agreement between the UK and the EU-27, based on EU standards, would be the best outcome for the EU and UK feed & livestock sector. FEFAC has set up a dedicated Brexit Task Force to analyse potential trade impacts of the Brexit negotiations on the EU feed & livestock sector.


UK FOOD SECURITY AT RISK UNLESS GOVERNMENT TAKES NEW APPROACH TO FOOD AND FARM POLICIES: BSAS The future of UK food security is at risk unless the Government changes its approach to food and farming policies post-Brexit, according to a group of leading animal scientists and farmers. The British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) says policy makers


need to engage in a different kind of conversation about what will happen to UK farming and food production once the country leaves the European Union. Without embracing a fresh approach to food and farm policies, not


only will food security be challenged, but the country’s rural landscapes and communities could be forced to change beyond recognition. Speaking at the society’s annual conference in Chester on 26


April, BSAS President Professor Liam Sinclair said that government needs to engage with all sectors of the industry to develop policies which are firmly focused on science, innovation and adding value to UK food production. This includes clear and guaranteed support that the sector will


be properly supported once the existing Common Agricultural Policy came to an end. “We need to have a very different conversation about how UK agriculture will work outside the EU,” he will tell delegates. “If there isn’t a substantial amount of applied research and


knowledge transfer to allow the livestock industry to improve its efficiency and profitability then food security will be seriously challenged. “What’s more, without giving producers the support they need to


survive and successfully develop their businesses outside the EU we risk being left with fewer animals, an altered landscape, and shattered rural economies. “Coming out of the EU means the end of the CAP and single farm


payments, and if we want to extend our global competitiveness and maintain our current standards of production, food quality and animal welfare, it is essential that Government develops well thought out, focused policies that are based on sound evidence and supported by targeted incentives. “This is a chance to join up thinking across government and


the industry as a whole. It will be difficult to do, but it’s vital that it happens.” To assist policy makers as they discuss the future of UK food and


farming outside the EU, BSAS has produced a policy white paper which sets out five key areas on which Government must focus to ensure the long-term sustainability of UK livestock production and research. Created together with a team of leading farmers, advisors and animal scientists, the paper says: 1. Additional government support must target applied research which drives innovation, has rapid impact and adds value


2. Policies must improve competitiveness and be evidence based


3. UK Scientists must have access to European Research Funding


4. The UK livestock workforce must have appropriate skills and training


5. Support for livestock production and research underpin UK food security, biodiversity, tourism and the rural economy


Addressing the conference during a special session on the impacts of Brexit on UK animal science, Professor Sinclair said: “The food and drink industry is the largest manufacturing sector


in the UK, and the role that the livestock sector plays within that in supporting the country’s economy and food security cannot be overlooked. “For that reason, it is essential that the challenges and opportunities


posed by Brexit are properly addressed, and that everyone in the food and farming sectors - whether they are scientists, farmers, processors or anyone else in the economic cycle - are given the support they need.”


To help engage with government and policy makers, BSAS will


be holding events through the remainder of 2017 and beyond to talk about the future of the sector post-Brexit and the issues which need addressing. The society is also urging its members to contribute actively to the debate to ensure their concerns are heard. “We need to make sure that government is fully aware of


the importance of the livestock industry to the UK economy when negotiating with the EU, setting up new trade deals or preparing domestic policy,” adds BSAS chief executive Bruce Beveridge. “If they don’t then there is a major risk to the UK’s balance of trade, and potentially food security, tourism and employment. “We want a world leading, competitive and profitable food and


farming sector that is supported and led by the latest research and development. We believe we can achieve that outside the EU, but we must make sure we have all the tools we need to do it.”


PAGE 56 MAY/JUNE 2017 FEED COMPOUNDER


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