Farming is in 'a reasonably strong position' says Shrewsbury NFU boss
Farming is in a "reasonably strong position" despite Brexit talks but there is a need to plan for uncertainty, a National Farmers' Union boss has said.
It came as thousands of people were welcomed to Minsterley Show on Saturday – the oldest agricultural show in Shropshire's calendar.
Shrewsbury NFU group secretary Simon Latter welcomed farmers and growers to the NFU and NFU Mutual stand, which was pitched alongside the main show ring.
He said: "At the moment the talk of Brexit has meant that the pound has weakened, which means some of our imports are more expensive and exports are more competitive.
"It means that machinery is potentially more expensive.
"But at the moment farming is in a reasonably strong position.
"The whole thing about Brexit is we don't know what will happen next year and the year after. "It's about planning for the future. With a new Secretary of State in place, hopefully we will have a better idea in the next few years.
"We just need to keep things tight and plan for uncertainty. Had we not voted for Brexit there's still going to be change. "This is a fantastic opportunity if you think of it as an opportunity."
Fred Smith has been farming for more than 40 years and runs a farm near Westbury.
The 86-year-old, who visited the Minsterley Show at the weekend, said the future of farming was uncertain in Britain.
He added: "Things are very difficult at the moment with the politics. They are not going anywhere with Brexit. "I'm very concerned that this country could be subject to the import of inferior food.
"Also with the EU, farmers were guaranteed a certain amount of help. That is questionable."
About 5,000 people attended this year's Minsterley Show, with farmers, families and exhibitors coming together for a fun day out.
