Brexit late talks harming Scottish farming warn NFU
There might have been multiple ‘crunch’ moments in the UK withdrawal from the EU and during the subsequent negotiations on future trading relations, but talks are now being “taken to the wire” – with a“catastrophic” no deal remaining a possibility.
And yesterday NFU Scotland warned that the continuing uncertainty over the arrangements was crippling the farming industry.
Seven weeks from the end of the transition period and with negotiations still near deadlock, the union reiterated its long-held belief that agriculture could flourish outside the EU, with the proviso that this would only be possible if certain key requirements were met.
These included: Avoiding a ‘no deal’ outcome and any short-term political and economic turmoil;
Ensuring as close to free trade in agri-food goods as possible with the EU market;
Gaining greater regulatory control and discretion over UK farm practice;
Maintaining access to seasonal and permanent workers required by the UK food chain.
The union said that it was hearing from a growing number of members who were becoming increasingly anxious and concerned about what the future held for them.
Speaking yesterday, president Andrew Mccornick said that during the last few weeks before the transition period ended his organisation was doing all it could to encourage business preparedness through the available guidance and resources.
“However, the reality is that that the future is difficult to prepare for when there is still so little clarity on what our relationship will be with the UK’S largest trading partner.”
He said that as recently as last week the union had joined 11 other organisations representing Scottish food and drink businesses to press UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, on the perilous situation facing the sector due to continued uncertainty and the threat of a ‘no deal’.
“We believe it is vital that the UK Government works constructively with the industry to ensure there are adequate safeguards, deal or no deal, that allow the sector to adjust to the new operating environment, whatever that may be.”
And later today (Thursday) the union’s vice-president Charlie Adam is scheduled to give evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee on the agricultural sector’s priorities for the future relationship and the negotiations.
“Since the outset, NFUS has been crystal clear that there are opportunities from Brexit so long as the sector can operate within favourable trade, immigration and support policies. At this crunch moment, we need the UK government to heed the needs of food and drink producers. They are of key strategic importance to the future health and prosperity of this nation,” said Adams.
Also on the lack of Brexit clarity, the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers (SAMW) has called on the UK government to launch a six-month‘ buy-back’ scheme for any red meat products despatched for sale in the EU market but which were subsequently seriously delayed at customs, resulting in them becoming unsaleable, as well as requesting assistance with costs relating to new Export Health Certificates.