Farmers urge next government to pursue tariff-free deals with EU
The future government after next month's election must ensure tariff-free access to the EU's Single Market to protect British farmers, the Farmers' Union of Wales has said.
Meeting with general election candidates from all UK parties, the union said negating the risks for those most vulnerable to Brexit negotiations was a priority by pursuing free trade deals.
"We must seek to reach a long term agreement with the EU which maintains simple and tariff-free access to the EU's Single Market," said FUW president Glen Roberts.
Mr Roberts said a key manifesto demand was that the next Government negotiates Brexit transitional arrangements with the EU which allow sufficient time to reach agreement on trade and other matters which are in the interests of Wales, the UK and the remaining 27 EU Member States.
"Above all else, those elected on June 8, must pursue outcomes which negate the risks for those most vulnerable to Brexit scenarios – not least our farming families and rural communities – by ensuring domestic support, trade deals and supply chains are fair and fit for purpose.
"Food security, rural incomes, and local food production must be a priority, and negotiations must focus on the large and affluent market which is on our doorstep, in the form of the EU."
Devolved regions
In addition the union stressed that the next government should develop a framework which prevents unfair competition between devolved regions and agree to a ten year transition period between the current and any future policies.
They also urged a ring-fence of agricultural and rural development budgets which at least reflect those budgets which would have been in place should the UK have voted to remain in the European Union.
"Agricultural and rural development funding to Wales must be allocated outside the Barnett Formula, and in a way which ensures Wales’ historical allocation of funding is not reduced," he said.
"Food security, rural incomes, and local food production must be a priority, and negotiations must focus on the large and affluent market which is on our doorstep, in the form of the EU."
