The National Sheep Association (NSA) is calling on new Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Ranil Jayawardena, to put British farming at the forefront of decision making following his appointment by new Prime Minister Liz Truss.

NSA welcomes Mr Jayawardena to his new role. NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says: “NSA is looking forward to working closely with Mr Jayawardena to ensure that British producers can continue to provide high quality, sustainable food for the nation and beyond. 

“The appointment comes at a particularly difficult and turbulent time for British agriculture. Mr Jayawardena appears to have little existing knowledge of agriculture or land management, having rarely engaged on related subjects in the House of Commons. However, he will be judged on the actions going forward rather than his previous history and the most important thing he can do is to listen and quickly get to grips with the farming sectors. NSA would advocate the absolute importance of stability and continuity amongst government to ensure businesses are able to navigate uncertainties within the marketplace.’

Mr Jayawardena previously served in the Department for International Trade alongside the new Prime Minister and has been a keen advocate for free trade agreements (FTA).

Mr Stocker continues: “Recent FTA’s, supported by the new Secretary of State, with Australia and New Zealand have provided little to no opportunity for British sheep producers but rather put them at further risk during increasingly volatile times. There are very few opportunities arising for British producers especially concerning the lack of Border Control Points for trading breeding animals with the European Union, an impasse that has crippled many businesses since Brexit.

“Ensuring that British farmers and produce are represented and at the forefront of future decision making will be key in ensuring we can be a food secure nation. There must be action and decision on any future policy direction, significant timelines and meaningful detail to allow the best possible opportunities for agricultural business to forecast and plan for the future."

Mr Stocker has also extended his thanks and best wishes to the outgoing Secretary of State, George Eustice, who had been in position since February 2020 and before that had been Farming Minister since 2013. Mr Stocker says: “Mr Eustice has always taken time to engage with NSA and listen to our views and positions and I know he felt that sheep farming in Britain would and should have a key part to play in British agriculture in the future. I wish him all the best for his future.”

In addition to the appointment of Mr Jayawardena, Defra has also seen the new appointment of Minister State / Farming Minister Mark Spencer who takes over from outgoing Minister Victoria Prentis. Mr Stocker concludes: “NSA welcomes the appointment of Mr Spencer, as a farmer himself he will bring valuable experience to the position and we look forward to working with him.”