A rural organisation has set out “red lines” which must not be crossed in order to secure the best possible post-EU trade deal for UK farming.
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has set out the red lines as the Prime Minister readies herself to trigger Article 50, which will formally begin the process of exiting the European Union.
It says the UK must not “unilaterally reduce its tariffs from those it currently applies”, and British producers must continue to benefit from Protected Designation of Origin and Protected Geographical Indications so, for example, Melton Mowbray pork pies and Welsh lamb cannot be replicated elsewhere.
Minimal “friction” for imports and exports between the UK and EU is vital for food and farming, says the CLA.
CLA President Ross Murray said: “Brexit is an opportunity for farmers but our future is reliant on having a sound trading relationship which suits both the UK and the EU. We have set out the red lines that the UK should not cross when negotiating the free trade agreement for the sector.
“We understand that the challenge ahead is a collective one. We are ready to work closely with Ministers and fellow farmers across the EU, to ensure we get the best possible deal for UK food and farming.”
'Negotiating rounds'
Following the triggering of Article 50, the UK/EU negotiations will commence.
A series of ‘negotiating rounds’ will take place over the course of two years in which the terms of UK exit and the basis upon which future trade relations will take place will be established.
A CLA briefing paper warns that securing a UK-EU trade deal will “not be straightforward”. Historically the EU has had a protectionist impulse when considering free-trade agreements with non-members for food, says the document.
The rural organisation will be feeding in views to the Government via Defra and the Department for Exiting the European Union, as well as holding engagement meetings with European organisations in the weeks ahead.
