United over post-brexit markets

The UK government must adopt a trade policy which prioritises tariff free and frictionless access to the European marketplace.

That was the clear message when livestock representatives from NFU, NFU Cymru, NFU Scotland and the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) met recently in Edinburgh to discuss postbrexit policy.

At the meeting, the four organisations also raised concerns over the possible influx of low-standard imports into the UK from outside Europe, should the government not recognise the sensitive nature of beef and lamb in drawing up trade deals.

Speaking afterwards, NFU Scotland livestock committee chairman 0 Sheep farmers need a ‘frictionless market’ Charlie Adam said that the meeting had made it clear that any future trade with countries outside of Europe had to be negotiated on the basis that all imported produce should meet UK and EU standards of production, traceability and environmental protection.

“It is therefore essential that the UK government recognise the sensitive nature of beef and lamb. Additionally, for our future trade with the EU, the UK government must adopt an approach which avoids any barriers to trade in to the European market,” he said.

NFU Cymru livestock board chairman Wyn Evans added: “We fundamentally need to hear the UK government recognise and take action to protect lamb and beef production in developing its post-brexit trade policy.”

He said stability was key and the trading agreement agreed with Europe was fundamental to achieving livestock prices that would result in profitable businesses willing to invest in the future:

“A customs agreement would achieve that certainty, particularly important for our lamb sector which is so dependent on the European market.”