Brexit: No-deal ‘to hit farmers hard’

Speaking at NFU Cymru Conference 2017 at the Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Wells, Mr James stressed that the Welsh agricultural industry was fast running out of patience with both the UK Government and the European Union over the Article 50 negotiations.

He warned that farming businesses would suffer if a deal securing an economic relationship with the EU cannot be reached.

Mr James maintained that the only sensible option for Brexit negotiators was for the UK to remain a part of the Customs Union, at least until a time where a comprehensive free trade agreement can be reached.

Addressing the conference on Thursday Mr James said: “The time has come for both the UK and EU governments to acknowledge that businesses and individuals across Europe will suffer if a deal securing an ongoing and closely-integrated economic relationship is not reached.

“A ‘no deal’ scenario would have severe implications for our industry. With the majority of our food exports going to the EU any impact of a ‘no deal’ on farming and food production would have severe knock-on effects, not just to our sector but to the wider economy of Wales that relies on a thriving food and farming sector.

“The Government must secure a free trade agreement, which maintains tariff free trade in agricultural goods between the UK and EU, and also avoids costly and disruptive non-tariff barriers. If such an agreement cannot be reached by March 2019, then transitional arrangements, which allow us to continue to access our largest and closest export market, must be put in place.

Whilst there are significant challenges, Mr James added that the Welsh agricultural industry should make the best of the opportunity to further develop the Welsh food and farming industry. When we leave the EU there is an opportunity to look at how we can ensure we use a greater share of Welsh and British food in our schools, our hospitals and within the military,” said Mr James.