Shropshire Star

MP urges consumers to buy from British farmers after Brexit

Buying British produce from British farmers will be just as important after Brexit as it is now according to an MP.

Published
Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies

Farming leaders have called for farmers and growers to remain the number one supplier of choice to UK consumers when Britain finally leaves the EU.

Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies, who is also a farmer himself, has again insisted it is an uncertain time for farmers in Wales and across the UK.

But has urged people in Montgomeryshire and the UK to keep buying local after Brexit.

He said: "I think it is always the case that you need people to buy local, and that is what I want to happen after Brexit.

"In Montgomeryshire and Powys farming is a big part of the economy, and we want that to continue.

"I think it will be the same message, for people to continue to buy local regardless of Brexit."

The National Farmers' Union wants to see the planned new farming policy after the UK leaves the European Union allow consumers to enjoy more sustainable, quality and affordable British food, whatever their income.

The farming group has outlined its vision for what the future should look like when the UK leaves the EU-wide Common Agricultural Policy which pays subsidies to farmers, which the Government is currently consulting on.

Amid calls for taxpayers' money only to be spent on public goods such as protecting landscapes and wildlife and preventing flooding, rather than the current system of payments for owning land, the NFU has said food production should be recognised as in the national interest.

The UK public benefits from a sufficient degree of self sufficiency, safe and traceable domestic food supplies, agricultural jobs and investment and high standards of welfare and environmental protection, the NFU argues.

Effective

It has called for new policies which are fair to all farm businesses, provide a level playing field across the UK and with major competitors, and gives time and certainty for farmers to plan, adapt and invest in the future.

And it must ensure public investment remains effective in promoting productivity, helping farmers manage volatile market conditions and fairly rewards environmental action, the NFU urged.

NFU president Minette Batters said: "We are now on the cusp of a pivotal moment, as we leave the Common Agricultural Policy and once again take sovereign control of our agricultural affairs.

"I am clear on what success will look like.

"I want British farmers and growers to remain the number one supplier of choice to the UK market, and I want British people to be able to enjoy more sustainable, quality, affordable British food at a range of different prices that suit all incomes.

"A future farm policy could uplift British farming's ability to produce food for the nation, giving us greater security in the supply of safe, traceable and quality British food that the public trust.

"The policy could further enhance our reputation for high-welfare British food, which delivers for the environment, across the world."