NFU Cymru : Union to hold politicians to account over Brexit trade deal

NFU Cymru President Stephen James has told a special Brexit farming conference that the Union must continue to put pressure on decision makers to deliver a Brexit deal that will enable a productive, profitable and progressive future for agriculture in Wales.

Speaking in his last engagement as NFU Cymru President during a special NFU Cymru conference titled 'Brexit: Shaping the Future of Welsh Agriculture', Mr James said the Union would continue to hold politicians to account to make sure Welsh farming is not disadvantaged as part of the negotiations over the UK's departure from the European Union.

Mr James said: 'More than ever, over the coming months, we are going to have to hold politicians' feet to the fire on the crucial issue of trade. Many promises and assurances were made, during and after the referendum, about the apparent ease with which an attractive and favourable trade deal could be struck with the EU27.

'A trade deal which sees our crucial exports fettered by tariff and non-tariff barriers will immediately put us at a disadvantage compared to our EU competitors, and we have to maintain the pressure on our politicians to ensure that such a situation is not allowed to come about.

'Likewise, with regard to Wales, we were assured that we would not lose out on a penny as a result of Brexit. If Wales is not to lose out, then we must, as a bare minimum, continue to receive the same level of funding from the UK Government as we currently receive from the EU.

'Ensuring a fair and equitable allocation of future agricultural budget for Wales remains a key priority and as we continue to develop a new policy framework it is vitally important that policy makers recognise and accept the key principle that food production and the environment are not mutually exclusive. We can increase environmental gain alongside increasing our productive capacity.'

As part of his final public speech as NFU Cymru President, Mr James took the opportunity to look at the challenges and opportunities facing farmers in Wales.

He added: 'While I am positive for the future I am also realistic and I recognise that there are many challenges to overcome if we are to achieve our vision for a productive, profitable and progressive future for Welsh farming. Our future trading arrangement with the EU will be crucial and none more so than in Wales where are so reliant on this flow of agricultural products.

'I believe that our interests are best served by the UK remaining within the EU Customs Union until such time as a comprehensive UK-EU free trade agreement can be agreed.

'Farming is no different to any other business and possibly our biggest challenge at present is uncertainty over the future direction which hampers our ability to make clear investment and strategic business decisions.'

The 'Brexit: Shaping the Future of Welsh Agriculture' conference, saw a packed audience of members and key stakeholders listen to range of industry experts and leaders discussing the issues and implications affecting the Welsh farming industry as a result of Brexit.

Among the speakers at the event were Dylan Morgan, NFU Cymru Head of Policy and Deputy Director; Huw Thomas, NFU Cymru Political Adviser; Rohit Kaushish, NFU Economist; Oliver McEntyre, Barclays' National Agricultural Strategy Director; Phil Bicknell, AHDB, Market Intelligence Director; Kevin Roberts, HCC Chairman; Dr Tim Render, Welsh Government Director for Environment and Rural Affairs.