The UK’s farming unions are co-ordinating efforts to lay out a plan of mapping out the future for post-Brexit farming.
The Presidents of the four UK farming Unions will meet at NFU England and Wales’ headquarters at Stoneleigh in Warwickshire on Monday (1 August) as part of that effort.
Ahead of the meeting the four farming Presidents – Meurig Raymond of NFU; Allan Bowie of NFU Scotland; Stephen James of NFU Cymru and Barclay Bell of Ulster Farmers Union – have issued a joint statement.
It reads: "UK farming is a strong, dynamic sector with huge potential.
"That is why the coming months and years are vitally important to develop the right domestic farm policies that enable our great industry to prosper.
"There’s no doubt there will be hurdles to overcome which is why the four UK farming unions are committed to working together to ensure that farmers interests are protected in the UK’s negotiated exit from Europe.
"We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to develop the right policies and the best trade deals.
"Our role now, working together, is to show leadership across our respective borders and help to shape our future.
"NFU, NFU Scotland, NFU Cymru and Ulster Farmers Union have a longstanding and close relationship that will be even more important going forward as we face the challenges and opportunities which lie ahead.
"We have already engaged on several occasions since the outcome of the UK’s vote of the EU Referendum and will come together next week to share plans and our vision for a thriving UK agriculture.
"We will ensure that our collective voice – and that of UK farmers - is heard.
"Agriculture is the bedrock of the UK’s largest manufacturing industry worth £108 billion.
"With this as our mandate we will continue to push our devolved governments to ensure food and farming is front and centre of any new domestic agriculture policy and for its potential as a real force to deliver the UK’s public goods is recognised.
"Politics change, sometimes dramatically as we have seen in recent weeks, but farming’s absolute importance to the UK does not; farmers will continue to feed our nation and play a part in feeding the world.
"Farmers will continue to provide the raw ingredients for a thriving food and drink sector.
"Together, the UK farming unions are 70,000 members strong. This combined strength will be vital for the journey ahead."
