CLA

I think the welcome reported in this article by the NFU and CLA to the emerging consensus on our negotiating position with the EU smacks as much of desperation as enthusiasm. This article tells us:

NFU president Minette Batters said more detail was needed, but avoiding friction at the border was vital in order to maintain the high levels of trade in agricultural goods with our largest market, which is so important to the farm economy.

“The NFU has argued strongly since the EU referendum that maintaining as free and frictionless trade as possible between the EU and the UK post-Brexit will be critical if British farmers are to continue to play their part in providing high quality and affordable food to the British public.”

Country Land and Business Association (CLA) president Tim Breitmeyer described the development as “an important breakthrough in delivering a clear vision for a post-Brexit UK”.

“A future relationship which imposes barriers to trade or excludes agri-food would not just put at risk farming businesses, but have a devastating impact across the wider rural economy,” he said.

Mr Breitmeyer said the statement would give farmers and rural businesses more confidence about the future, but noted that the government’s vision still has to be negotiated and agreed with the EU.