An inquiry has been announced to look at how food producers can contribute to the public good while ensuring they stay profitable after Brexit.
Announced by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Farming on 25 June, the inquiry will Focus on finding a balance between protecting the envirpnment and producing food to high quality standards.
At the event, MP and APPG chair Julian Sturdy presented a the inquiry as an opportunity for APPG members to discuss key issues facing the sector, such as maintaining high standards in food production after Brexit and giving the whole industry a strong voice in Parliament.
He said it was important for the industry to be conscious about future trade deals, and stressed that different farming sectors must stick together in order for the industry to thrive.
A range of cross-party MPs including Colin Clark, Alistair Carmichael, Ian Paisley, David Warburton and Mims Davies attended the event, alongside APPG members.
All those in attendance are reported to have welcomed the announcement of the inquiry, as too did third parties such as the Environment Agency.
The inquiry will be undertaken in the autumn, alongside scrutiny of the Agriculture Bill, giving the APPG members the opportunity to feed directly into future UK farming policy.
Speaking at the reception, Sturdy said: “The British public believes in what we produce as farmers. They believe in the quality and they believe in the high standards. It’s absolutely crucial we maintain this and communicate this to the public.”
Former MP for Stroud, Neil Carmichael, added: “The Farming APPG has already planned a formal inquiry to develop ideas for farming in a post-Brexit era.
“This will be conducted as the Agriculture Bill progresses through Parliament, providing members with opportunities to influence policy with evidence-based and properly tested responses to the debate about the balance between protecting the environment and producing quality food.”
