The NFU has given a cautious welcome to today’s conclusions on the first phase of the negotiations between the UK and the EU.

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NFU President Meurig Raymond (pictured above) said this is a significant and positive step forwards in a difficult and complex negotiation, adding that there are still outstanding vital details which food and farming businesses need to understand.

Mr Raymond continued: “We welcome the Prime Minister’s progress in the first phase of the Brexit negotiations.

“Securing the rights of EU citizens living in the UK is important for the many people working in vital roles in the British food and farming industry – from farm vets right through to those picking and packing British produce.

“Negotiators from the UK and the EU have agreed that there should be frictionless trade in goods between Ireland and Northern Ireland and also within the UK market. This is an important statement of intent and an outcome the NFU has strongly argued for.

 “We are reminding Government at this crucial time of the high standards to which British farmers produce to, which allow people in this country to buy safe and traceable food underpinned by the Red Tractor logo.”

The NFU President also called on all parties to maintain the momentum: “I am greatly concerned that despite this important step, farming businesses urgently need certainty about the terms of any transitional agreement which needs to be in place as early as April 2019.”