UK farmers bid to be top supplier

British farmers and growers should remain the “number one supplier of choice” to UK consumers after Brexit, farming leaders have urged.

The National Farmers’ Union wants to see the planned new farming policy after the UK leaves the European Union allow consumers to enjoy more sustainable, quality and affordable British food, whatever their income.

The farming group has outlined its vision for what the future should look like when the UK leaves the Euwide Common Agricultural Policy which pays subsidies to farmers, which the government is currently consulting on.

Amid calls for taxpayers’ money only to be spent on public goods such as protecting landscapes and wildlife and preventing flooding, rather than the current system of payments for owning land, the NFU has said food production should be recognised as in the national interest.

The UK public benefits from a sufficient degree of self sufficiency, safe and traceable domestic food supplies, agricultural jobs and investment and high standards of welfare and environmental protection, the NFU argues.

It has called for new policies which are fair to all farm businesses, provide a level playing field across the UK and with major competitors, and gives time and certainty for farmers to plan, adapt and invest in the future.