UK: Andrea Leadsom outlines future vision
"As you rightly say, Meurig, food and farming faces some of the biggest changes of any sector as we leave the EU."
"But with change comes great opportunities for what also is by far the UK’s largest manufacturing sector."
"This morning, you have highlighted a number of those opportunities and challenges."
"So I do appreciate that your members are looking for clarity on specific issues – such as the future of direct payments, the prospects for seasonal agricultural workers, and access to the single market to name just a few."
"And I don’t for one minute underestimate the importance of these. Meeting with farmers in Somerset, Glamorgan, Sussex, Herefordshire and in my own constituency of South Northamptonshire, I’ve heard the concerns of your members first hand."
"And I want to be clear that as a major contributor to the UK economy – contributing close to £110 billion each year – there is no doubt that there will be support for our vital food and farming industry after we leave the EU."
"But I’m not going to stand here today and pre-empt the work the Government is doing to get the best possible deal for the UK."
"Those negotiations will take time, and change is, of course, inevitable."
"But I want you to know that I will fight your corner at every opportunity – and fight for the huge contribution you make to our communities, to our environment, and to our economy."
"So, I don’t have final answers today – but I do want, this morning, to outline my ambition for a future, more prosperous farming industry, and the five principles we must follow if we are to achieve this."
Read the full speech at the DEFRA website.