The Farmers’ Union of Wales is joining high-level Brexit discussions with Minister of State for Exiting the European Union, the Rt Hon David Jones MP in London, to ensure the voice of Welsh farmers is heard at the very top of Government.
FUW President Glyn Roberts, said: “The Agri-Food Sector Exiting the European Union roundtable discussions will provided the FUW with a welcome opportunity to stress that Welsh agriculture must not be ignored in any Brexit negotiations and in planning our exit strategy.
“We will also remind the Minister that the current bovine TB situation here in Wales could still pose a risk to future trade deals. The problem is not exclusive to Wales and we are anxious to ensure that all Governments are addressing the risks to trade appropriately.
“In addition, 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.
“We also hope to get a better understanding of the UK position and how this is going to affect Wales and our rural economies. Further, we will take our priorities to the talks and make the case for Welsh farmers, highlighting that it is in the interests of all countries for the UK’s withdrawal from the EU to take place as smoothly as possible and over an appropriate transition period, as opposed to the ‘hard Brexit’ advocated by some.”