Farming union leaders proclaimed a new era for the industry after the Conservatives’ general election victory at Westminster, bringing to an end any doubts the UK will leave Europe.
The acknowledgement that future trading relationships are destined to change prompted NFU Scotland president Andrew McCornick to call for the new UK Government to take early steps to “give certainty” to the industry.
“The government has indicated that the necessary legislation to leave the EU on January 31 will be presented to Parliament next week.
“Once passed, the real work then begins on agreeing the future trading arrangements with Europe. Those talks are critical to the future of our industry,” he said.
“It is these negotiations that will be the real bread and butter of Brexit for NFUS members. That is where the terms of the trade deal between the UK and the EU will be agreed.
“For NFUS, ensuring as free and as frictionless trade in agri-food goods with the EU, which remains our principal market outside of the UK, has been our priority from the start of this process.”
Mr McCornick said the “dither and delay” had stifled confidence in the Scottish agricultural and food sectors, and called for firm assurances from government.
“Whether negotiating with the EU, or establishing new trade deals with other countries worldwide, a red line for us is that Scotland’s high standards must be recognised and protected,” he said.
“Our members can be reassured that their union has begun engagement with this new Parliament today and we will make tracks to Westminster at the earliest opportunity as we enter a new era for Scottish farming and crofting.”
NFU president Minette Batters said future trade deals must not allow imports of foods produced to standards that would be illegal to produce that way in the UK.
She said: “We live in a country that has some of the highest animal welfare, environmental and food standards in the world, all the while providing the British public with the third-most affordable food on the planet, and at the same time maintaining and enhancing the iconic British landscape.”
She said the new government had to back British farming “like never before” by investing in domestic food production, ensuring guaranteed access to a skilled and competent workforce, and putting science at the heart of policy-making.
The National Sheep Association said Prime Minister Boris Johnson must honour promises and assurances previously made about being able to secure a post-Brexit free trade deal with Europe by the end of 2020.
CEO Phil Stocker said: “Our industry is resilient, as we have proved this year having thrived despite the uncertainty, but we cannot keep going on this way.
“A clear plan and agenda must now be set by Mr Johnson, with the fallback assurance of contingency support if the government fails to achieve its objectives.”
nnicolson@thecourier.co.uk
