The NFU’s ruling body has backed a resolution concluding farmers’ interests are best served remaining in the EU, after a gruelling four hour debate.
The NFU Council resolves that on the balance of existing evidence available, the interests of farmers are best served by the UK's continuing membership of the European Union.
The Union's position is based solely on an evaluation of the agricultural merits of the case and it stresses it is 'fully aware' there are many wider issues at stake.
It says it will not be actively campaigning in the referendum; it will not be joining with any campaign groups and 'it will not, in any circumstances, advise its members how to vote'.
The vote at NFU council looked at key issues including:
• The implications for our agricultural trade with the EU and the rest of the world
• The balance of risks of a national farm policy versus the CAP
• The impact of the agricultural uncertainty following a vote to leave
• The potential impacts for the wider food chain
• The consequence for farming regulation, in or out
• The consequences for agricultural labour availability
• The consequence for agricultural product approvals
• The consequences for science and R&D relating to agriculture.
28 roadshows have been held across the country to enable NFU members to debate and discuss the key issues of the impact of leaving the EU on farming.
Peter Kendall, former President of the NFU, has responded to the announcement today.
He said: "Britain's membership of the EU is essential for the farming and food industry so it is hugely significant that the NFU has today confirmed that it believes UK agriculture will have a more secure future within the EU.
"Being part of the single market - our home market of 500 million consumers - is crucial to the long term prosperity of farming in this country.
"We saw from the NFU's own report earlier this month that leaving the EU could hit our industry hard and their support today demonstrates that walking away puts too much at risk.
"Leaving the EU would make trading farm products significantly harder, financial support uncertain and leave farmers facing years of uncertainty.
"That is too much of a gamble and one our industry cannot afford to take.
"That is why I fully welcome the decision from the NFU who have made it clear that Britain's farmers are stronger, safer and better off in the EU."
