Confidence plummets after referendum

Confidence among farmers has fallen since the Brexit referendum last June, according to the NFU south of the border.

A survey conducted by the English and Welsh farmers’ union shows an 18-point drop in mid-term confidence among farmers in the past two years.

The union blamed the political environment since the UK voted to leave the EU for the fall.

President Meurig Raymond described the results as “unnerving”.

“The outlook from farmers is positive for the next 12 months due to the weak sterling, but we all know farming businesses are long-term and cannot rely on currency fluctuations,” said Mr Raymond.

“The government elected later this week will need to take firm action to maximise on the future potential of British food and farming.

“We need a competent and reliable workforce, a fit-for-purpose domestic agricultural policy and the right trade deals.

“And to address this debilitating uncertainty, they need to give the industry as many assurances as possible.”

The survey also showed farmers were nearly twice as likely – 20.1% – to be decreasing investment as a result of Brexit than increasing investment – 10.7% – in the next 12 months.

Mr Raymond said: “With just 10 per cent willing to increase investment in their business, it does not paint a pretty picture for the progressive industry that we are striving to be.”