First stage of NFU's post-Brexit consultations come to a close on 16 September in England

The first stage of the NFU’s post-Brexit member farming consultation comes to a close in England this Friday 16 September.

The consultation has been unprecedented in its scale, with thousands of farmers attending more than 50 meetings the length and breadth of the country.

All 50,000 NFU members have received a copy of the consultation document and a questionnaire, which they’ve been asked to fill as part of a comprehensive survey, providing the opportunity for farmers and growers to make their voice heard in shaping a post-Brexit domestic agriculture policy for the UK.

A consultation with NFU Cymru’s members will end on 23 September.

Following the close of the consultation, feedback from members will help NFU officeholders, supported by board chairmen, to create a vision for a future domestic farming policy.

NFU President Meurig Raymond said the degree of participation in the consultation showed the real strength of feeling among UK farmers that, post-Brexit, the industry needed to come together to create a domestic agricultural policy which recognised the importance of British food and farming and its contribution to the nation.

He said: "It is encouraging to see the interest among our members at this unique opportunity to help shape the future of our industry.

"It is important that post-Brexit the government acts to ensure that its trade, labour and domestic agriculture policies will support a profitable and productive future for the farming industry in the UK."

NFU officeholder responsibilities have been divided between the three NFU leaders. NFU President Meurig Raymond will focus on trade; NFU Deputy President Minette Batters will lead on labour; and NFU Vice President Guy Smith will lead on the domestic agriculture policy. They will be working and supported by policy board, members and staff.