UK and EU farm leaders have urged Brexit negotiators to reach a deal which benefits the industry as many farmers currently operate "without certainty".
Farming leaders from Europe and the UK came together in London on Thursday morning (25 October) to call upon policymakers to recognise the "strategic importance" of food and farming businesses in the Brexit negotiations.
The conference was jointly hosted by the NFU, AHDB, German Farming Union (DBV), French Farming Union (FNSEA), Irish Farming Association, Dutch Farming Union (LTO Nederland) and Danish Agriculture and Food Council.
In a joint plea to Brexit negotiators, the leaders highlighted how securing a Brexit withdrawal agreement is "crucial" to providing "much-needed" clarity for farming businesses in the UK and in the EU.
Farmers and growers in the UK and in Europe are currently operating without any certainty on a future trading relationship or how they will recruit a reliable workforce for their businesses.
For both UK and EU farming businesses, uncertainty over the post-Brexit trading environment is a cause for concern.
Looking beyond March 2019, the conference explored how the agri-food industry across Europe can find shared solutions to work together post-Brexit.
NFU President, Minette Batters said of the conference: “It could not be plainer that our shared best interests lie in the successful conclusion of a Brexit agreement. The organisations here today are making the case for food and farming in every capital in Europe and calling for the building blocks to be put in place for our future.”
Other representatives of the host organisations also commented. Tom Hind, Chief Strategy Officer of AHDB said: “The prospects for UK agriculture hinge significantly on whether there is an orderly or disorderly Brexit. However, all scenarios imply change, including the restructuring of farming businesses. Therefore preparation is key and our ability to work together will be vital.”
President of the DBV, Joachim Rukwied, added that the EU and the UK should conclude a deal that will avoid trade disruptions while maintaining the integrity of the European single market, while Arnold Puech d’Alissac, member of France's FNSEA, said a "smooth evolution" between full membership in the EU and a strong third country relationship is now needed for the UK.
President of the Irish Farmers’ Association, Joe Healy added: “I am heartened to see strong solidarity from farming unions across the EU for the position adopted by IFA for full access and frictionless trade both North-South and East-West between Ireland and Britain, while retaining the full value of the UK market.”
Vice-President of the Danish Agriculture and Food Council, Lone Anderson said: “It is important that the future relationship between EU and the UK remains open and farmers on both sides of the channel have a level playing field.
“The value chain between the EU and the UK has been built up over so many years. Consumers have come to expect and cherish the high quality of our produce. This welfare and long term prosperity of the agri-food sector must be protected,” he said.
Concluding the event, Marc Calon, President of Dutch farming union, LTO Nederland said: “Maintaining common standards and a level playing field is essential to ensure the significant trade between the EU and UK. Regardless of the outcome of the negotiations, keeping an open dialogue is important for our continued close cooperation.”
