The UK Government has published technical notices containing advice for farm businesses in case the UK leaves the European Union without a deal.

The CLA represents 30,000 landowners, farmers and rural business who between them own or manage more than 10 million acres across England and Wales.

CLA President Tim Breitmeyer said: “It is encouraging to see the UK Government is making contingency plans in the event of a no deal Brexit. It is important to provide clear and comprehensive guidance to help farmers prepare for the eventuality that the UK leaves the EU without a withdrawal agreement.

“Of particular note is the advice for organic businesses which highlights the extreme consequences of a no deal situation that could impact a number of sectors. UK organic businesses will only be allowed to export to the EU if they are certified by a control body recognised and approved by the EU. The application process could take nine months and can only begin after Brexit, leaving the organic sector in a state of uncertainty about the future.

“All farmers need certainty and do not wish to leave the European Union without an agreement firmly in place which is in the best interests of the industry. We are doing all we can within Europe to encourage our equivalent organisations to support a better deal for both UK and EU farmers.”

Farming Online asked the CLA if the same would be true of EU organic exports in that they would not have  certification by a GB approved control body in which case would mean they also faced a trade embargo. A CLA trade expert said that in theory, yes, but the UK government will seek an equivalency arrangement with the EU which should assist both sides. So we could end up in a situation where we have no withdrawal agreement but a series of equivalency arrangements to ensure a functional trading system.

Click here to read Govt advice about farm payments if there is no Brexit deal

Click here to read advice about producing and processing organic food if there is no Brexit deal

Click here to read advice about receiving rural development funding if there is no Brexit deal

Click here to read advice about trading with the EU if there is no Brexit deal