Farmers’ pitch givesfoodfor thoughtina post-Brexit UK

VISION: Union wants consumers to be able to enjoy quality produce whatever their income

British farmers and growers should remain the “No 1 supplier of choice” to UK consumers after Brexit, farming leaders have urged.

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) 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 NFU has outlined its vision for what the future should look like when the UK leaves the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 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.

And it must ensure public investment remains effective in promoting productivity, helping farmers manage volatile market conditions and fairly rewards environmental action, the NFU urged.

NFU president Minette Batters said: “We are now on the cusp of a pivotal moment, as we leave the CAP, and once again take sovereign control of our agricultural affairs. “I am clear what success will look like. “I want British farmers and growers to remain the No 1 supplier of choice to the UK market, and I want British people to be able to enjoy more sustainable, quality, affordable British food at a range of different prices that suit all incomes.

“A future farm policy could uplift British farming’s ability to produce food for the nation, giving us greater security in the supply of safe, traceable and quality British food that the public trust.

“The policy could further enhance our reputation for high-welfare British food, which delivers for the environment, across the world.”

Minette Batters feels that the NFU are on the cusp of a pivotal moment.