UK: NFU urges Cameron to answer Brexit questions

British farmers and growers must have more information about how their businesses will be affected if Britain stays in, or leaves, the EU: this is the NFU's challenge to those on both sides of the debate.

In light of the ongoing uncertainties the NFU is currently working with leading agricultural research institute from the Netherlands, LEI Wageningen, to model the potential impact of a Brexit under three separate trading scenarios. In each of the scenarios the effects of three different levels of agricultural support will be estimated.

The impact of these policy changes on UK commodities production, domestic farm-gate prices, farm incomes and trade flows will be modelled.

NFU President Meurig Raymond said: "If Britain is to stay in the EU then David Cameron must be clear. How will the UK’s position within the EU’s single market be made stronger? Will this week’s European Council lead to a commitment to create a globally competitive market with less red tape and compliance costs and better regulation for the benefit of British agriculture?

"The NFU is leading the way by working with LEI Wageningen to model the potential implications for British agriculture if the UK leaves the EU. This study, which we will make public in the spring, will set out how our members’ businesses could be affected. We believe it will go a long way to help them reach their own decision on a Brexit."

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