A letter written by NFU president Minette Batters to Mr Johnson sets out 5 policy priorities:

1. Stimulating farm business competitiveness and innovation
2. Rising to the challenge of tackling climate change, with the aim of reaching net-zero carbon emissions from agriculture by 2040
3. Promoting high food standards through trade policy, building a British food brand and protecting farmers from imports of food that would be illegal to produce in the UK
4. Ensuring an adequate supply of labour through a suitable immigration system
5. Providing a long-term budgetary commitment for food and farming

The letter, which refers to the prime minister’s farming family and previous stint as an agriculture correspondent for a national newspaper, said securing free and frictionless trade with the EU was crucial.

Another key figure Glyn Roberts, Farmers Union of Wales president, outlined the dangers of a no-deal Brexit stating:

“We are absolutely clear, no responsible UK government would allow the UK to leave the EU without a deal,” he said.

“The latest analysis by Hybu Cig Cymru suggests 92.5% of our lamb export trade could disappear if we go over the Brexit cliff on 31 October.”

Matthew Blantern – 29th July 2019