The NFU has welcomed clarity given by Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan around the current situation for UK farmers.

Writing in a letter to NFU President Meurig Raymond, Commissioner Hogan confirmed that the UK 'would remain a full member of the EU with all the rights and obligations' this entails until Article 50 discussions are completed. 

For the time being the Commissioner explained that farmers will 'continue to have full access to the CAP support schemes and to the EU internal market.'  The letter also stresses that UK farmers and paying authorities will have to comply with all existing EU legislation.

Meurig Raymond commented: "I appreciate Commissioner Hogan taking the time to provide this clarity during these uncertain times. 

"UK farmers welcome the fact it is “business as usual” for the time being.  Existing rules - and the penalties that come with failing to comply with them - will continue to apply for the foreseeable future.

"Our focus now is on our leaders at home; we will be clarifying what we need under a new domestic farming policy and then discussing this nationally with our membership as part of the biggest farming consultation for a generation.

"But we appreciate the commissioner's support and will relay his message to our members loud and clear: business as usual."