Union urges MPs not to sideline farming

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) is turning its attention to lobbying domestic support after obtaining reassurances about the immediate EU support for British farming from the European Commission’s Agriculture Commissioner.

In a letter from commissioner Phil Hogan to the union’s president Meurig Raymond, Mr Hogan confirmed that British farmers will “continue to have full access to the Common Agricultural Policy support schemes and to the EU internal market” until Article 50 discussions are completed.

He also stressed that UK farmers and paying authorities still have to comply with all existing EU legislation.

Mr Raymond said: “Farmers welcome the fact it is ‘business as usual’ for the time being.

“Our focus now is on our leaders at home; we will be clarifying what we need under a new domestic farming policy and then discussing this nationally with our membership as part of the biggest farming consultation for a generation.”

NFU members spoke to MPs and Lords at a Westminster reception today where they were urged to pledge support to the industry by creating a domestic agricultural policy that promotes profitable and competitive farming outside the EU.

Mr Raymond said: “The NFU as the lead farming representative trade body in the heart of Westminster is urging MPs and Lords to come away from today’s event championing the farming sector.

“Farming cannot be sidelined if the economy is important to this Government.”