‘Hard Brexit would hurt Welsh farming’
Farming unions have urged politicians to take account of the crucial role agriculture plays in Wales and the differences between farming in Wales and England as Brexit draws near.
Farmers’ Union of Wales officials emphasised the difference between Welsh and English agriculture at the Welsh Conservative Party Spring Conference in Cardiff.
FUW president Glyn Roberts said: “Agriculture in the UK and in Wales has to be profitable and sustainable. In Wales the family farm is the cornerstone of much of our agriculture and our way of life, far more so than in England. Therefore we must ensure that the role of such farms in rural Wales is recognised.
“Welsh agriculture fundamentally differs in terms of need, product and social importance, hence why we can’t have an ‘England-centric’ policy once we leave the EU.
“We need the UK Government to appreciate the difference and repatriate powers from Brussels to the Welsh Government, ideally within a new UK framework.”
Mr Roberts said that the FUW would continue to fight for the survival of farming in Wales and those businesses that derive an income from agriculture.
He added: “Let us not forget that Welsh agriculture’s gross output is almost £1.5bn and that the food and drinks exports are worth £302m to the economy of Wales.
“Whilst the focus will be on the big issues of exit negotiations, there are critical UK issues that need to be resolved through discussion and agreement with devolved nations.
“But we can work in parallel and continue to plan our future here at home and that’s why I urge our devolved administrations to work together closely and with a sense of urgency in developing the necessary UK agricultural framework.”
NFU Cymru has presented evidence to the Welsh Affairs Committee as part of an inquiry session examining agriculture in Wales after Brexit.
Speaking after giving evidence at the meeting, NFU Cymru president Stephen James said: “Agriculture’s contribution to the economic, environmental, social and cultural wellbeing of Wales is unrivalled and should not be underestimated.
“While Brexit presents significant challenges, it also presents opportunities and we need to ensure we take this opportunity to craft and develop an agricultural policy framework that supports productive, progressive and profitable farming and delivers jobs, growth and investment to Wales.
“Getting the right Brexit trade deal and future agricultural policy are going to be vital components if the industry is to flourish post-Brexit – we don’t want to see agriculture used as a bargaining chip.
“A hard Brexit, which would see us move to World Trade Organisation default tariffs, would be incredibly damaging to Welsh agriculture and we don’t want to see products produced to lower standards coming in to the UK and undermining our high standards of production.”
The CLA has set out the “red lines” it says must not be crossed to secure the best possible trade deal for UK food and farming as Prime Minister Theresa May prepares to trigger Article 50 next week. These are:
The UK must not unilaterally reduce its tariffs from those it currently applies as a member of the EU.
UK producers must continue to benefit from Protected Designation of Origin and Protected Geographical Indication, so Melton Mowbray pork pies or Welsh lamb cannot be replicated elsewhere.
UK farmers who want to comply with EU regulations and trade with the EU must be able to do so.
There must be minimal friction for imports and exports between the UK and EU.
CLA Cymru director Rebecca Williams said: “Brexit is an opportunity for farmers but our future is reliant on having a sound trading relationship which suits both the UK and the EU.
“We have set out the red lines that the UK should not cross when negotiating the free trade agreement for the sector.
“We understand that the challenge ahead is a collective one. We are ready to work closely with ministers and fellow farmers across the EU, to ensure we get the best possible deal for UK food and farming.”