The UK farming industry has urged Brexit trade negotiators to consult with them before any negotiations are finalised to ensure agriculture is in the limelight, according to new analysis.
The National Farmers' Union (NFU) has released a new report demanding 'razor-sharp political focus' at home and abroad.
The report, 'A New Outlook on International Trade', outlines the UK's £13.8bn worth of food and drink exports and how it must be protected.
The report highlights the risks and opportunities for agriculture in trade deals fundamental to the industry’s future.
It lists three 'core principles' for trade:
• Maintaining continued access to the EU single market with minimal tariffs and non-tariff barriers;
• Basing negotiations on detailed economic assessments and consulting with the industry before offers are exchanged;
• Ensuring UK farmers are not put at a competitive disadvantage to overseas producers subject to different standards.
The report stated: “Only once the terms of the UK’s future trading relations with the EU and other existing preferential trading partners are clear should the UK begin to engage in formal trade negotiations with third countries.
“UK trade in agricultural goods is dominated by trade with the EU, so maintaining access to EU markets that is as free and frictionless as possible is a fundamental priority.
“Further to this, the UK government must take great care not to allow the pursuit of free trade agreements with new markets around the world to undermine our domestic agricultural sector.”
'Ability to produce food'
NFU President Meurig Raymond said achieving the right trade deal matters for the UK's ability to product food.
He said: “In just over two weeks, the UK Government will begin the formal negotiations for the UK exiting the EU, and potential trade deals will become a focal point in these talks – for farmers as well as those around the negotiating table.
“It is vital that the UK Government leading these talks is very clear on what success looks like for British food and farming.
“Achieving the right trade deal will be pivotal to many farming businesses and the country’s ability to produce food.
“There is a lot to agree in the two year negotiating period, so it’s essential that the UK Government prepare transitional arrangements to avoid a cliff-edge scenario. Farming businesses will need time to adjust to new trading environments.”
