Farming faces 'significant risks' after Brexit - including loss of subsidies, tariffs and competition

The report acknowledges UK farmers face a ‘triple jeopardy’ from changes in the UK’s trading relationships negotiated after Brexit
The report acknowledges UK farmers face a ‘triple jeopardy’ from changes in the UK’s trading relationships negotiated after Brexit

British farming faces significant risks after Brexit - including a loss of subsidies, tariffs and increased competition, according to a new report.

The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) report has highlighted concerns for the farming sector ahead of Brexit negotiations.

The report acknowledges UK farmers face a ‘triple jeopardy’ from changes in the UK’s trading relationships negotiated after Brexit.

The EAC says leaving the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will 'threaten' the viability of some farms. Trade agreements which impose tariff or non-tariff barriers to UK farm exports will similarly threaten farm and food business incomes, and new trading relationships with states outside the European Union 'could lead to increased competition' from countries with lower food standards, animal welfare standards and environmental protection.

The Committee has said new subsidies should have 'clearly defined objectives' linked to the delivery of public goods, like the promotion of biodiversity, preventing flooding and storing carbon, rather than simply providing income support to farmers.

The report also urges Government, as part of its initial work to leave the EU, to assess the resources necessary to replace existing EU environmental funding to ensure that farm businesses remain viable.

'Disappointing'

The National Farmers Union (NFU) has said that food security and food production should be regarded as strategically important for the country and good for the public.

NFU Vice President Guy Smith has said it is disappointing that the EAC failed to mention this.

Mr Smith gave evidence to the EAC last October. He said: “British farmers work to a very high standard for animal welfare, food safety and environmental protection. We believe strongly that any standards are not watered down if we are forced to compete against agricultures in other parts of the world that clearly do not have such high standards as ours. Clearly we must not be put at a competitive disadvantage.

“It is essential for the food and farming sector to maintain full, unfettered access to the single market while having continued access to a flexible, competent and reliable workforce. Retaining tariff-free access is vital for UK farmers - it’s where 75% of our food exports go.

“The EAC recommended that support payments should be linked to public goods. It is our view that food security and food production should be regarded as strategically important for the country and good for the public. It is disappointing that the EAC failed to mention this.

“The NFU urges Government to commit to working with farmers to establish a domestic farming policy designed to ensure a resilient farming sector alongside work to protect and enhance the environment. The domestic agricultural policy should seek to deliver competitive, profitable and progressive farm businesses through a number of measures which also address price and market volatility and improvements in sectoral economic performance.

Mr Smith added: “Farmers across the country understand the importance of protecting the environment and ensuring we have a thriving countryside. For example, planting or restoring 30km of hedgerows and increasing the number of nectar and pollen rich areas by 134% in the past two years. Farmers continue to fulfil their role of providing high quality food, produced to exacting welfare and environmental standards. We want to maintain those standards once we leave Europe.”

'Not necessary to create new legislation'

The CLA which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses has backed calls by MPs for certainty on the status of environmental laws currently set and enforced by the EU post-Brexit.

However, the organisation has stopped short of backing the concept of a new ‘Environment Protection Act’ to be in place before the Government triggers the Article 50 Brexit process.

CLA Director of Policy and Advice Christopher Price said: “Improving and enhancing our environment, from soil and water quality to managing wildlife habitats and nurturing biodiversity, has to remain a priority for us all through Brexit and beyond. We welcome this report that shines a light on the risks and complexities that have to be managed through the process of extricating the UK from EU agricultural and environmental law.

“We agree with the sentiment behind the Committee’s call for a new Environmental Protection Act. They are right to call for post-Brexit certainty on environmental laws, but we are not convinced it is necessary to create new legislation, other than the Great Repeal Bill, or for it to be rushed through in the timeframes the Committee sets out.

“The Government should transpose existing EU commitments into UK law then decide what needs to change rather than creating more confusion. It is important we take the time necessary to get post-Brexit environmental policy right.

Mr Price added: “Brexit creates an opportunity for governments in England and Wales to adopt a new Food, Farming and Environment Policy that delivers innovative approaches to promoting and protecting our environment, and doing so while supporting a resilient and productive farming sector.