Farmers spell out their Brexit demands to May

Farmers and food producers have urged Prime Minister Theresa May to ensure they can continue to hire overseas workers after Brexit. The government was urged to publish an immigration white paper setting out its plans as soon as possible.

The demand is part of a manifesto by more than 100 key players in the sector including the leaders of the National Farmers’ Union and the Food and Drink Federation.

Other issues raised in the document include: l Maintaining “frictionless” trade with the EU and preserving the existing trade deals struck by Brussels with countries around the world – at least until the UK can secure acceptable alternatives l Developing an agriculture policy which promotes food production while maintaining existing high environmental, health and animal welfare standards l Ensuring an “efficient and proportionate” regulatory system

The manifesto has been sent to the Prime Minister by NFU president Minette Batters, who said the food and farming sector was worth at least £112 billion to the UK economy and employs around four million people.

She said: “In the manifesto we warn, as a collective, that a Brexit that fails to champion UK food producers, and the businesses that rely on them, will be bad for the country’s landscape, the economy and, critically, our society.

“Conversely, if we get this right, we can all contribute to making Brexit a success for producers, food businesses and the British public.”

The manifesto noted that “with a significant proportion of EU nationals working in the UK agri-food sector, it is vital that the government ensures a continuing, adequate supply of permanent and seasonal labour for the industry.”