The UK farming unions have published a document ahead of the European elections calling for a policy environment that allows our farmers and growers to grow and thrive.
‘UK farmers navigating change in Europe: An agenda for the future’ highlights six critical policy areas where action is needed to help deliver a profitable, productive and progressive farming sector. These are Brexit, Trade and Standards, Climate Change, Environment, Healthy Plants & Animals, and Science and Innovation.
The Presidents of NFU, NFU Scotland, NFU Cymru and the Ulster Farmers Union said they wanted to engage with both domestic politicians and those from across the EU27 to highlight the importance of working with the farming industry.
In a joint statement, the Presidents said: “However long UK MEPs are in post it is important they understand and engage with UK farmers. Our industry provides the quality ingredients for our safe, traceable and affordable supply of food and underpins the UK food and drink sector, worth £122 billion.
“Whatever the outcome of Brexit we need a policy environment that allows farming businesses to continue to deliver benefits for the public such as high quality, affordable food and protection for our wildlife and countryside. These ambitions are not only hugely relevant for the UK but also across the EU and they start with ensuring that developments on Brexit prioritise the needs of farm businesses and the long-term prosperity of the agri-food sector.
“We must maintain our positive relationship with our European neighbours and work in partnership with them to develop an enabling regulatory regime that allows our sector to thrive.”