The Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) is calling on the Government to come up with a plan B for the farming industry in the event that the UK votes to leave the European Union in the referendum this month.
Stephen Wyrill, national chairman of the Tenant Farmers Association, said that if David Cameron’s Government ‘hasn't got a plan B, he’s got a lot of work to start.’
He said that, in the event of Brexit, it would be possible for the UK to trade with other countries and that ‘if the EU wants to deal with us, they’ll deal with us.’
He said that British products would still be in demand, saying, ‘We have good products, we have first class food, we have engineering…so why shouldn’t they deal with us?’
On the possibility of tariffs put on British exports after Brexit, Wyrill said that the Government would need to ensure they would be minimal.
Being more like Switzerland and Norway
In March, the UK government said it will give more to farmers than they do now.
Defra minister George Eustice was speaking at the launch of Farmers for Britain and marking the publication of a new Vote Leave leaflet in March.
Eustice drew attention to non-EU nations like Switzerland and Norway and how their governments gave more to farmers than the UK does.
"Where power has been ceded to the EU, we see inertia, inconsistency and indecision," the Farm minister said.
"The achievements we cherish most of all are those where we have secured opt-outs from EU initiatives."
Eustice said the UK gives money to the EU, which they convert into foreign currency creating unnecessary exchange rate risks.
'Lack of clarity'
CLA President Ross Murray has also called on the Government to dispel confusion and uncertainty by setting out the Government’s Plan B for farming in case of a Brexit scenario.
In an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the CLA has warned that investment, jobs and the environment will be put at risk without assurance from Government that plans are being developed to address significant issues for farming and the rural sector, whatever the outcome of the EU Referendum.
CLA President Ross Murray said: "Whatever the outcome of the Referendum, there are important decisions that the Government will need to make to ensure the continued health of farming and the wider rural economy.
"With no clear Government plan set out for farming and the rural sector in the case of a vote for Brexit and with Defra Ministers supporting opposing campaigns, there is a lack of clarity around what is statement of fact and what is conjecture regarding Government plans.
"This is causing confusion and uncertainty around investment decisions and around meeting long-term environmental commitments.
