Government acknowledges farmers' Brexit concerns in 'constructive' industry meeting

The NFU has held 'constructive' talks on Brexit with Government
The NFU has held 'constructive' talks on Brexit with Government

The National Farmers Union has held talks on Brexit with the Defra Secretary of State Andrea Leadsom, in which was described as 'constructive'.

NFU President Meurig Raymond has welcomed the assurances given by the Secretary of State that Defra is fully resourced and primed for the complex negotiations about to get underway once the Article 50 notification is sent next week.

The meeting. held yesterday (23 March), brought together Andrea Leadsom, Farming Minister George Eustice, Mr Raymond and NFU Director for EU Exit and International Trade, Nick von Westenholz.

The group emphasised the crucial role food production will continue to play in the life and economy of the UK and the need for government to ensure food and farming is at the forefront of their priorities as they negotiate the UK's exit from the EU.

Defra Secretary Andrea Leadsom with NFU President Meurig Raymond at the talks (Photo: @NFUTweets)
Defra Secretary Andrea Leadsom with NFU President Meurig Raymond at the talks (Photo: @NFUTweets)

Free and open trade

Mr Raymond said he was 'delighted' that Defra share British farmers' ambitions to maintain free and open trade with the EU.

He said: “They also acknowledge the need to ensure that future reforms to the immigration system accommodate the labour requirements of the food and farming sectors.

“We had an encouraging discussion about the form of a future domestic agricultural policy once we are no longer subject to the CAP. I am pleased that the Secretary of State and Farming Minister are in broad agreement with us that farmers should continue to be supported after 2020 to mitigate volatility, reward environmental delivery, and to promote greater productivity and competitiveness in their businesses. This will allow us to secure a resilient future for UK farming that delivers for both farmers and the wider public.”

Rotten beef

Mr Raymond turned to the news of Brazilian meat processors trading rotten meat, and how this emphasises the UK to support domestic producers.

He continued: “The news stories over the weekend about the activities of Brazilian meat processors trading rotten beef and poultry have reminded us of the importance of supporting domestic producers who uphold the high standards of British food production and enjoy the trust of UK consumers.”

Mr Raymond said he was reassured by the Secretary of State’s positive assessment of the readiness of her department for the task ahead.

He added: “She has good reason to believe that Defra is attracting some of the best talent, both within and outside Whitehall, to manage its Brexit workload and to ensure food, farming and the environment continue to be at the heart of the Government’s thinking in its Brexit negotiations.

“It’s crucial that this continues to be the case, and we will be working closely with Defra to make sure our priorities are also the Government’s priorities in the weeks and months ahead.”