NFU Scotland issues public Brexit plea
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The next 50 days are critical for many Scottish food and farming businesses and the jobs they support, says NFU Scotland
Since the Brexit vote more than four years ago, the NFU says it has consistently argued that agriculture can flourish outside the EU if certain key requirements are met.
These include:
- Avoiding a ‘no deal’ outcome and any short-term political and economic turmoil
- Ensuring as free a trade in agri-food goods as possible with the EU market
- Gaining greater regulatory control and discretion over UK farm practice
- Maintaining access to seasonal and permanent workers required by the UK food chain
With the transition period ending on December 31, NFU Scotland has issued a public reminder that the prosperity of the agriculture sector is incumbent on a favourable future relationship agreement being found.
Andrew McCornick, NFU Scotland's President, said: "There have been multiple ‘crunch’ moments in the long history of EU withdrawal and future relationship negotiations, but seven weeks from the end of transition, we are now at the wire.
"The uncertainty is crippling.
"We are hearing from a growing number of members deeply concerned about what the future may hold for them.
"As an organisation representing 8500 farmers, crofters and growers across Scotland, we continue to do all we can to encourage business preparedness through the available guidance and resources.
"However, the reality is that that the future is difficult to prepare for when there is still so little clarity on what our relationship will be with the UK’s largest trading partner.
"Last week, we joined with 11 organisations representing the Scottish food and drink sector to press the Prime Minister on the perilous situation facing this iconic sector due to continued uncertainty and the threat of a ‘no deal’.
"We believe it is vital that the UK Government works constructively with the sector to ensure there are adequate safeguards, deal or no deal, that allow the sector to adjust to the new operating environment, whatever that may be.
"Since the outset, NFU Scotland has been crystal clear that there are opportunities from Brexit so long as the sector can operate within favourable trade, immigration and support policies.
"At this crunch moment, we need the UK Government to heed the needs of food and drink producers.
"They are of key strategic importance to the future health and prosperity of this nation."
