Farmers in call for a fair deal post-Brexit

BRITISH farmers and growers should remain the “number one supplier of choice” to UK consumers after Brexit, farming leaders have urged.

The National Farmers’ Union 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 farming group has outlined its vision for what the future should look like when the UK leaves the EU-wide Common Agricultural Policy which pays subsidies to farmers, 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 markets, and fairly rewards environmental action, the NFU urged.