Large farm unions from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have committed to work together, in light of the Brexit vote.

image expired

• Access to labour
• Creating simple domestic farm policies
• Seeking clarity over the UK’s exit from the EU

Speaking on behalf of the other presidents on Tuesday, NFU President Meurig Raymond said, “UK farming is a strong, dynamic sector that already contributes so much to society and the economy. But the industry has huge potential. That is why the coming months and years are vitally important to develop the right policies that enable our great industry to prosper.

“The working areas we’ve just identified are the building blocks to the strong, collective and influential voice that we want to achieve for the industry. In the unchartered waters that our government finds itself, we want to be the consistent, reliable and representative body to look to for expertise in these working areas.”

The unions’ announcement coincided with small farm union the Landworkers’ Alliance publishing its own eight point plan for future agriculture policy, and after over 80 civil society groups called on the government to ensure that future farm policy is focused on environmental protection, public health and social justice.

In its own eight point plan, LWA asks the government to:

• Focus on National Food Security
• End area based subsidy payments
• Include small farms in government policy
• Intervene to improve working conditions and create new jobs in farming
• Improve environmental and welfare standards
• Invest in farmer-led research
• Improve farmers’ position in the supply chain
• Democratise future policy making