Shropshire NFU chief heads Brussels trip to focus on Brexit
Farmers from Shropshire will be part of a delegation heading to Brussels to debate the effects of Brexit on British agriculture.
National Farmers' Union county chairman Richard Yates said they want to "facilitate a better withdrawal".
Among the issues to be discussed will be whether farmers will have access to the single market.
He said: "It is a West Midlands trip. We have two days where we will ponder and reflect on the farmer meetings that the NFU has held with its grassroots membership.
"The reason is to find out and discuss the hopes and aspirations for the government in the lead up to and aftermath of eventual Brexit.
"We will decide upon what we feel is the best policy to suit all sectors of agriculture.
"One of the largest concerns from Shropshire is that farmers have access to the single market. I have pressed ministers about whether we are going to remain in the single market and it seems they are undecided, as they are on many issues.
"There is so much concern and uncertainty surrounding British agriculture. It is extremely important to have links on the continent.
"A third of British lamb ends up in France and Belgium. It is okay to look at markets around the world but we have to remember readily available markets are on our doorsteps, which we have supplied extremely satisfactorily for over 30 or 40 years. We must not throw the baby out with the bath water."
Setting off on Monday, farmers will also discuss issues such as milk prices and bovine TB.
Mr Yates previously said TB remains the single biggest issue facing farmers in the county – and that badger culling is necessary to tackle the issue.
"There is always massive interest in bovine TB, especially when 2,000 cattle were slaughtered last year in the county," Mr Yates said.
"We will also be discussing milk prices. The spot price created is around 30p per litre but many First Milk members are receiving prices in the teens which is an unacceptable situation.
"Many members are considering their future. People are being tempted away by rivals which could be catastrophic for First Milk."
Among those taking part in the trip are vice chairman of Shropshire Young Farmers, Rebecca Green, and Matt Jones, a dairy farmer from Oswestry.
"We are there to learn and maintain contacts, and hope to develop further markets," Mr Yates added.
