NFU Cymru underlines importance of EU market access
The need to secure a comprehensive free trade agreement with the EU was top of the Agenda when NFU Cymru recently met with UK Agriculture Minister George Eustice MP and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Wales, Guto Bebb MP, writes Stephen Kenyon of NFU Welshpool.
In a wide ranging discussion NFU Cymru, once again stressed to the Minister of State at the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs the importance of the UK Government securing continued free and unfettered access to EU markets upon the UK’s departure from the EU in March 2019.
NFU Cymru President Stephen James said: “Trade with the EU is critical to the Welsh food and farming sector. With around three quarters of our food and drink exports and nearly 40 per cent of our lamb being exported to the EU, a ‘no deal’ scenario and moving to World Trade Organisation ‘most-favoured nation’ status – with tariffs of 40 per cent and more on many cuts of red meat – would be a major issue for Welsh agriculture and the wider rural economy.
“Mr Eustice told us that a comprehensive free trade agreement was in the interests of both the UK and also the EU given the level of trade between the UK and EU, and we discussed the need to plan for all eventualities.”
Also this week I started with a trip down to Builth Wells for the Welsh Winter Fair. The turnout this year was fantastic with many visitors dropping by the NFU Cymru stand to understand more about the impact of Brexit, opportunities for the industry and to understand the value of NFU membership.
NFU is the voice of farming and we’re here to protect and contribute to the future of British farming. It is so important that farmers unite and have a voice now more than ever.
NFU membership offers business support through a range of exclusive member services plus discounts on an extensive range of products.
Services include NFU CallFirst, our Stoneleigh based telephone helpline for members, the NFU Energy Service, helping you pay less for the energy you use and earn more from renewable energy and the NFU Legal Assistance Scheme – just to name a few! Benefits also include BUPA health insurance and discounts on vehicles from fourteen manufacturers.
Becoming a member includes a whole host of advantages and the list is continually growing.
Be at the forefront of lobbying for a more sustainable British agriculture – discuss NFU membership in detail with the NFU Welshpool agency on 01938 552272. Keep up to date with agency activity by liking NFU Welshpool on Facebook.
