Farming unions agree that the prospect of the UK leaving the European Union in March next year with no trade deal in place will have serious implications for the beef and sheep sectors.
Speaking at a recent meeting of the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU), National Farmers’ Union Scotland (NFUS) and National Farmers’ Union Cymru (NFU Cymru), a spokesman for UFU said that free and frictionless access to export markets in the EU is vital to the survival of the livestock sector.
He added that if there was a ‘no-deal’ outcome, livestock farmers would face up to 60 per cent tariffs on exports, which could result in unfair competition in the UK market from cheaper, lower standard meat imported from outside of Europe.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for NFU Cymru described sheep production as “critical” to the rural economy of Wales, adding that it also brings environmental benefits. He insisted that the Government must ensure that measures are in place to continue to allow tariff-free and unfettered access to export markets in the EU if the “already tight” margins in the sector are to be maintained.
A spokesman for NFUS agreed, saying that a no-deal Brexit could have unthinkable consequences for Scottish farms and crofts. He also called on the Government to secure future protection of Scottish food names, such as Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI.
As he underlined, future support for the food and farming sector must deliver on-farm profitability that ensures there is a critical mass of cattle and sheep to drive productivity across the supply chain.
The farming unions have confirmed they will work together throughout summer and autumn in a bid to highlight the importance of avoiding a no deal Brexit as the UK enters a “critical period” in the Brexit negotiations.