Arla Foods UK’s managing director has issued a call to the food and farming industry to work together to 'form one single voice' around Brexit.
Tomas Pietrangeli has identified ways to make this happen. He has outlined why it is both 'exciting and daunting', but that the industry 'must protect itself' against the threats and maximise opportunities.
Mr Pietrangeli said there is 'no doubt' that Brexit brings uncertainty.
“Although we’re optimistic about the future of the industry, severe damage could be done if the deal negotiated does not have food producers and farmers at its heart.
“For every new opportunity that opens up for new dairy export markets, there is a concern about access to markets closer to home; for every call to revamp the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), there are concerns about what will happen to the levels of support that farmers receive.
“I’ve been encouraged by the start that has already been made, and was proud recently to add my voice and that of Arla Foods UK to the largest-ever coalition of food producers and farming unions. Together, we wrote to the Prime Minister spelling out the need for the food and farming industries to maintain access to labour and tariff-free access to the single market after Brexit.
“It was really exciting to hear the potential for collaborative work with Government as the UK dairy industry seeks to access foreign markets. Any development that is good for our industry will ultimately be good for Arla and its farmer owners, and dairy is ready to rise to the challenges of Brexit and seek out its opportunities.”
Mr Pietrangeli said the dairy industry cannot afford to be 'timid'.
He said: “This is all the more important as signs emerge that the industry is beginning to improve, with milk prices rising.
“We can’t afford to be timid, and must speak openly to the Government about what the sector wants from Brexit – it is through these initiatives; industry discussion, research into what Brexit will mean for us and direct calls to action from decision makers, that we can be prepared for both the challenges and opportunities Brexit may bring.”
