The NFU officeholder team is kicking off the biggest farming consultation on what farming must look like outside the EU, grasping the earliest opportunity to engage with members at an industry event. 

Over both days of Livestock 2016 event, the NFU President, Deputy and Vice have committed to speaking and answering questions on the NFU stand1, discussing the impact of Brexit and what this means for the future of farming. The consultation on this - the biggest farming consultation in a lifetime - will continue over the summer.

NFU President Meurig Raymond said: “We’ve seen a seismic change in the political system in this country. We’re left in uncharted waters, but we’re also left with an opportunity for the NFU and its members to engage with Government and shape a profitable and productive future for farming.

“I am confident that the dairy and livestock farmer members at the Livestock event will have thoughts on how post-Brexit farming in this country should be – and the NFU, as always, is committed to listening to its members and making these thoughts count.”

NFU Deputy President Minette Batters said: “The NFU has set out its principles - the bare bones of a domestic agricultural policy - we need farmers to help us shape critical policy areas. Brexit means food security in this country must now be a political priority.

“I know that farmers in this country have excelled at producing food to exceptionally high standards, they are proud to lead the world on traceability and animal welfare. So unsurprisingly there is huge global demand for Red Tractor food. When the UK leaves the EU we are going to need the Government to be ambitious and innovative in ensuring farmers have access to the best possible trade agreements.”

NFU Vice President Guy Smith said: “The future of trade agreements, access to labour, regulation and farm support is unclear. But, in no uncertain terms, the NFU is committed to providing the vision of farming outside of the EU for Government to deliver, strengthened by the membership.

“Farmers of all ages, of all sectors, must be part of this debate. We have a unique opportunity to develop a domestic agricultural policy, a chance to shape this to fit our needs and ensure a positive future for our industry. I’m very much looking forward to the contributions from Livestock event.”