Farmers’ Union of Wales officials will meet with Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns at his London office next week Tuesday, November 8, to discuss urgent #FarmingMatters.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “We look forward to meeting with Alun Cairns next week to discuss #FarmingMatters, including the need for precise Brexit planning and we will make the case that Welsh agriculture needs to be on top of the agenda for the Treasury at Westminster and the Welsh Government. There is no doubt that Welsh farmers need at least the same level of support after we make an exit from EU that they receive now - especially if we want to guarantee a level playing field.
“In addition, we will also discuss the current bovine TB situation here in Wales, and the threat that it could still pose to future trade deals for the whole of the UK. Tariff-free access to EU markets is essential, particularly for the Welsh sheep sector, and the current levels of bovine TB are likely to be used against us in any trade negotiations.
“Losing these markets, through the introduction of tariffs or non-tariff barriers, would have a potentially massive impact on our industry. That leaves us in a very vulnerable position and the dangers of not having an export market is something we have to take seriously.”