Meurig Raymond, president of the NFU, said that with Brexit negotiations now past the initial phase, it is more important than ever that the work of British farmers is recognised and supported.
Mr Raymond said: “Farming is the bedrock of the UK’s food and drink sector, now worth £112 billion to the nation’s economy, providing jobs for 3.8 million people. Future policy must enable British farmers to invest and grow so the sector can continue to play its part in a successful UK post-Brexit.
“With Brexit negotiations now past the initial phase, it is more important than ever that we recognise and support the work of British farmers in providing the food for our nation, maintaining our iconic farmed landscape and contributing billions of pounds to the UK’s economy.”
Mr Raymond added: “Despite the difficulties farmers have faced throughout the last year we have had some great successes; agriculture was at the heart of the Industrial Strategy, the Government has committed to maintain the current level of agricultural funding until 2022 and it has also endorsed the NFU’s vision for the future Domestic Agricultural Policy.
“This vision focuses on three cornerstones – environment, productivity and volatility – which we believe should form the basis of bold and ambitious future policy measures. It outlines that competitive, sustainable and profitable farm businesses are central to a dynamic food supply chain and as well as increasing the UK’s self-sufficiency. The NFU will continue to work hard through 2018 to see this vision become reality.
“Through events like the NFU’s Back British Farming Day and various party conferences, our voice is being heard in Government and MPs are acknowledging the importance of farming within their own constituencies.”
