'British agriculture could thrive outside of the European Union' was the opinion of many delegates attending this years Oxford Farming Conference debate on Wednesday 4th January.

Proposed by Stuart Agnew, MEP for the UK Independance party in the east of England, the motion proved a hot topic among delegates at the prestigious conference which this year looked at power within global agriculture. 

Mr Agnew put many valid points forward especially in reference to the ongoing CAP reforms. The threat of set aside returning, large amounts of regulation, which we didn't have before entering the EU and alternative crops potentially reducing profit were all issues he said could be avoided outside of the EU.

He went on to say 'We buy more than we sell within the EU thus running at a trade deficit' therefore highlighting that the UK could have a large amount of power outside of the EU. He also highlighted the fact that the USA and Canada have there own support systems in place which could be implemented in the UK aswell.

Seconder Millie Wastie of the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs' said we would have the opportunities to embrace new technologies such as GM and the quality and provenance of British food would make the UK agricultural sector competitive still.

However, Liberal Democrat Andew George MP fought back saying that we would be more dependant yet not have the input and benefits of being in Europe. He did, however, recognise that the CAP was not ideal and some improvements should be made however he reiterated the fact we should still be in Europe to maintain market competitiveness and continue the regulation imposed by Europe to make sure the UK is still a key player on the world market; something which Mr George thought would not be the case if the UK were to leave the EU and regulations were relaxed. 

Mark Houlton of the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs' seconded Mr George in opposing the motion stating that the UK would have lower priorities for agriculture and the support, in monetary terms, would not be available as other sectors would take priority. He continued to say 'Finance, trade and strength and support are the three key areas which would be affected'. 'We currently have five hundred million customers over twenty seven countries to market our products to as a member of the EU. If we left, we couldn't influence regulations and couldn't compete on the world market as well'. 

Overall, delegates voted 196 to 185 in favour of the motion. 

Reported by Matty Shrap

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