farm unions meeting

The meeting at Stoneleigh Park

Farming unions from across the UK have agreed to work together on a shared ambition for the future of domestic farming post-Brexit.

The NFU, NFU Cymru, NFU Scotland and Ulster Farmers Union met at Agriculture House in Stoneleigh on 1 August, where they agreed that cross-border co-operation must be a focal point in the wake of the referendum result.

The trade and investment climate was identified as a crucial area for collaboration, as well as ensuring simple access to labour,domestic farm policies that work for farmers across the UK, and clarity over the UK’s exit from the EU.

Speaking on behalf of the unions' presidents, NFU Cymru president Stephen James said: “UK farming is a strong, dynamic sector that already contributes so much to society and the economy. But the industry has huge potential. That is why the coming months and years are vitally important to develop the right policies that enable our great industry to prosper.

“We have committed to providing a united front for the 76,000 farm businesses we represent and the 460,000 people who work on farms across the UK. We believe this will provide us with the best chances of working with governments in both Cardiff and Westminster on the policies that will impact UK agriculture.'