UK deal could help farmers

Australian dairy farmers could do well from a post-Brexit free-trade agreement with the United Kingdom.

Outgoing High Commissioner to Britain Alexander Downer said sugar growers were likely be the big winners from a postBrexit trade deal, but dairy, horticulture and beef producers could also benefit.

Mr Downer said last week he expected the British economy to ‘‘wobble’’ a bit as it transitions through its divorce with the European Union.

He thinks a free-trade deal could be sealed quite quickly because of similar legal systems and pointed out the United States deal only took 15 months to nut out.

‘‘I think for our agricultural sector a freetrade agreement could be very good.’’

Mr Downer said the UK imported about 40 per cent of all its food and most comes from the EU.

‘‘Post-Brexit they will be looking to diversify their sources.’’

He said there was also scope for greater ties between British and Australian universities.