Brexit could leave Welsh rural communities in poverty, warns FUW President

Roberts said that if the electorate voted to remain in the EU, it should not be seen as a 'seal of approval' for the current EU model
Roberts said that if the electorate voted to remain in the EU, it should not be seen as a 'seal of approval' for the current EU model

British exit from the European Union must bring a reversal of policies from the main parties to prevent a decimation of Welsh agriculture, Farmers' Union of Wales President Glyn Roberts said.

Roberts said Brexit could leave rural areas in Wales facing levels of poverty not seen since the 1930s.

"I make no apology for having repeatedly highlighted the Union’s policy that we should remain within the EU," said the FUW President.

"However, we are anything but Europhiles or apologists for the EU and all its flaws and failings. Quite the contrary, our criticisms have been consistent."

Rapid changes

Roberts said that if the electorate voted to remain in the EU, it should not be seen as a 'seal of approval' for the current EU model.

"We must see rapid changes which move us away from the precipice.

"Put simply, the vast and slow-moving machine which is the EU must find a reverse gear, which takes us back to something which is acceptable to a far greater proportion of its population.

"Whichever way the vote goes next week, we remain dedicated to fighting for the interests of not only our members but our entire rural economy, our environment, and the very heart of Wales' culture."

Help unleash the talent and ambition

Earlier this month EU agricultural commissioner Phil Hogan said there was no guarantee British farmers would be able to get money elsewhere.

Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said: "Unlocking access to our share of €360 billion of European funding will help unleash the talent and ambition across our world-leading food and farming industry, from supporting punchy start-ups to developing the very latest technology in production methods.

"Last year our dairy exports hit £1.4 billion so we know there’s a growing appetite for quality British dairy products.

"The funding will help innovative businesses produce more high-demand products such as yoghurts and cheeses in the UK, creating more jobs, increasing productivity and making the sector more resilient."

Organic farmer Rhodri Lloyd-Williams said: "Over 80 percent of my produce gets exported to a market that has access to over 500 million customers – why would I want to put that at risk?

"I feel responsible for Moelgolomen farm – it has been in our family for over 400 years. And whilst we look at all options to be sustainable and profitable, we are just like many other family farms in Wales, reliant on not just the Single Farm Payment but also access to the European market.

"I would almost certainly be worse off. In all honesty, leaving the EU is not going to be a smart move for agriculture and for the economy as a whole."

Jobs linked to trade with EU

Lucy Thomas, deputy director of Britain Stronger In Europe, said: “Over 76,000 jobs in British agriculture are linked to trade with the EU.

"These jobs rely on the ability to sell goods to 500 million consumers within the single market. A vote to leave would hit the pockets of UK farmers and have a devastating impact on the UK’s rural economy.

"Leaving the EU could see tariffs of up to 40% on wine and cheese and up to 90% on meat. It would be a damaging hit to Britain’s farmers and consumers’ back pockets.

"Over 80 percent of my produce gets exported to a market that has access to over 500 million customers – why would I want to put that at risk?"