Putting the focus on regulation

While Shropshire farmers are busy with harvest, managing stock and other farm work, the NFU has had another very busy Brexit month.

The latest in our series of policy documents, ‘Vision for the Future of Farming – Regulation’, has been written by our policy experts following member consultation.

The regulations that impact on farming are wide ranging and intricate.

Professional competence, contaminants in food, nitrates, energy tax, plant protection products, drinking water, renewable energy, habitats, birds, markets in financial investment, working time, VAT - the list goes on.

These are some of the many EU directives that currently impact on farming business.

At this stage, key NFU asks are that regulation is properly reviewed, that farmers get certainty to run their businesses and that science and evidence leads regulation setting.

What’s more, we are asking that the lengths Shropshire farmers already go to, in providing safe food and a rich environment, are recognised and rewarded.

We’re a big proponent of earned recognition.

Having specific regulations for our farming and our environment, will give Government reason to recognise the way British farmers go above and beyond to protect and enhance their farms.

Establishing robust Brexit principles in isolation of the rest of the industry clearly will not get farming and growing very far in the future.

This is why the NFU has pulled together a wide-ranging industry coalition of organisations to agree key principles and communicate these to Government.

So with the British Poultry Council, CLA, CLA Cymru, NFU Cymru, NFU Scotland, young farmers, the National Beef and Sheep Associations, RABDF, Scottish Land & Estates, TFA, TFA Cymru and the Ulster Farmers Union we have put out a joint statement to communicate important principles for post Brexit trade, regulation, access to labour and domestic agricultural policy.

Hopefully it will be no surprise that we’re of fairly common thought.

The union is taking its leadership role in the process of Brexit transition very seriously and members’ thoughts, ideas and participation is a vital element of this.

For now, I hope the weather continues to be kind to you for harvest and cultivations.

Rob Newbery, NFU regional director