Farmers have expressed concern about the unknown implications of Britain leaving the European Union, according to a new survey by experts at the University of Exeter.
Almost half (45.8 per cent) of those questioned said the interests of British agriculture will be best served by the UK remaining a member of the EU.
More than a third (35.5 per cent) indicated that it would be in the interest of British agriculture to leave the EU.
The remaining 18.7 per cent were unable to give an answer.
If this group is removed the proportion in favour of remain is 56.6 per cent while 43.4 per cent favour leaving.
The 1,251 farmers who took part in the postal survey, by the University of Exeter’s Land, Environment, Economics and Policy Institute (LEEP), were also asked about future Government financial support for agriculture.
Only 17.1 per cent thought it would remain at broadly similar levels in the event of a “Brexit”, while 44.5 per cent thought it would not, and 38.4 per cent didn’t know.
Older farmers were significantly more confident that support would be maintained if we left the EU compared to those who were younger.
Farmers are sceptical
LEEP Director Professor Matt Lobley said: "This is a robust survey of the views of farmers.
"The 1,251 respondents represent approximately 5 per cent of all farms in the South West and almost 9 per cent of the region’s farmland.
"These findings suggest that some farmers feel the Common Agricultural Policy has an important role in supporting their work, and that they are concerned leaving the European Union could leave them more economically vulnerable than they are now."
LEEP Director Professor Michael Winter OBE said: "The UK is a highly urbanised nation.
"Our research shows that farmers are sceptical about whether the UK government outside the EU would maintain the same level of support for farmers as under the EU.
"History suggests that politicians would prefer to reform the Common Agricultural Policy."
'Defra will be Brexit ready if we vote to leave'
Farm Minister George Eustice MP, prominent Leave campaigner, admitted it had been extremely difficult to take a different view to the Prime Minister, but insisted that leaving the EU was the right decision.
"Big decisions always make people apprehensive but we must not duck the big decisions," he said.
"Although the Government says it’s got no plan B it does have people like me who’ve done a lot of work," added Mr Eustice.
"I can assure you Defra will be Brexit ready if we vote to leave.
"And if we do vote for change the Prime Minister will lead the reconciliation to that new reality – the entire machine of government will be committed to withdrawal from the EU in the best possible way."
'Typical bluff and bluster from Leave side'
Former NFU President Peter Kendall has weighed in on the debate, saying it was "typical bluff and bluster from the leave side, who fail to answer key questions that are vital to the British farming industry.
"They are unable to guarantee that farmers will receive the same support as their key competitors in the European Union.
"And they cannot explain how farmers can sell tariff-free into the EU if we left the single market.
"It’s clear that British farming is stronger, safer and better off in Europe."
