FUW chairmen discuss Brexit implications for Wales ahead of meeting with Welsh Ministers

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The widespread uncertainty facing Welsh agriculture and the rural economy, and how agriculture might best be supported following an exit from the European Union, were key topics of discussion during a meeting of Farmers’ Union of Wales standing committee and county branch chairmen today.

The meeting took place ahead of a meeting with Welsh Ministers Carwyn Jones and Lesley Griffiths.

During the meeting, members emphasised the need for a reasonable timetable for negotiations and a smooth transition for the country was supported. Members also emphasised that a fair and sustainable future for Wales and its rural economy and agriculture could only be secured if farm incomes improved.

FUW President Glyn Roberts, who chaired the meeting, said "There were a wider range of questions, from the impact Brexit could have on our TB eradication programme and our exports, to the impact Brexit could have on devolution and the Barnett Formula.

"There was general agreement that the Brexit timetable would make far more sense if aligned with the EU budgetary period which ends in 2020, since the work associated with negotiations, discussions, and legislative changes during an exit process is unprecedented."

Mr Roberts said that, having been involved in the CAP negotiations with Welsh Government and the EU from 2008 onwards, and having witnessed first hand the problems caused by having to accelerated negotiations over a short period, the Union was well aware of the problems which could follow a hasty Brexit.

Mr Roberts said that the meeting was the first of many which would take place with members over the coming weeks, months and years, in order to ensure that the needs of agriculture and rural economies were met during the forthcoming negotiations and beyond.

FUW warns rural businesses and farmers about Welsh Commercial Register Scam letter

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The Farmers’ Union of Wales is warning members and rural business not to respond to a scam letter issued by ‘Welsh Commercial Register’ asking them to provide details of their company.

The letter, which reads: “...If you require the publication of further company details which exceeds the scope of the basic data entry, please use the attached form and return this to us. As our company is not affiliated with a public authority or any official entity, this entry is subject to a charge….”

The attached form asks businesses to enter their details for which they will get charged 993 Euros plus VAT. By signing the form the person authorises ‘Direct Publisher S.L.U.’ to record and publish the information and data provided as an advertising insert for a period of three years.

FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “This letter has been made to look like official Government communication, which could easily trick many farmers and rural business owners into providing their details.

“The financial implication of providing the company with business details could be devastating. I urge farmers and rural business owners to remain vigilant against these scam letters.” 

Any farmer who is unsure as to the validity of a letter asking for financial or business details should contact their local trading standards office or contact the Citizens Advice consumer services on 03454 04 05 06 or a Welsh line on 03454 04 05 05.

 

FUW seeks assurances on family farm support following Brexit vote

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Farmers’ Union of Wales President Glyn Roberts has written to all political party leaders outlining key priorities for Welsh agriculture and family farms, and seeking assurances these will be taken into account in drafting policies and negotiating positions over the coming weeks, months and years.

In his letter, Mr Roberts highlights the Union’s view that those on both sides of the debate must now look forward and ensure a positive outcome for Wales and the UK, including in terms of agricultural sectors and rural communities.

UK political party support for cheap food imports from countries where environmental and animal health standards fall well short of those required in the UK was a key focus of debate within the farming community ahead of Thursday’s referendum vote, as was the concern that some parties had advocated reductions in agricultural support without commensurate moves to raise farm incomes.

Highlighting the importance of agriculture to rural economies, Mr Roberts writes: “It is widely acknowledged by rural economists that vast numbers of secondary and tertiary businesses not directly involved in farming are reliant upon the sector, and that falls in farm incomes have significant and sometimes catastrophic consequences for the wider rural economy.

“Such impacts naturally extend to employees in a wide range of sectors, in addition to the circa 60,000 people employed on farm holdings in Wales.”

“Given the central place the Common Agricultural Policy has occupied in terms of European Union policies for many decades, over the coming months and years key decisions will have to be made in relation to UK and Welsh agriculture, and the prosperity of our rural communities will hinge upon those decisions.”

Amongst the critical issues highlighted by Mr Roberts are that:

  • In the absence of moves which ensure markets provide sufficient income for farm businesses, support is maintained for sectors at levels which do not compromise either family farms or rural economies
  • Agriculture and domestic food production is given priority during all trade negotiations with other countries and trading blocks
  • Bureaucracy and restrictions do not adversely impact or hamper Welsh and UK agriculture
  • The procurement of Welsh and British produce is the default position for all public sector bodies
  • In line with public opinion, the family farm is recognised as the powerhouse of our rural economies and the most appropriate source of UK agricultural produce

In summarising the FUW’s position, Mr Roberts states: “Welsh family farms have a critical role to play in terms of producing food to the highest standards while addressing the key challenges of our times in terms of climate change, and we therefore seek your party’s assurances that our ability to fulfill that role will be recognised and enhanced through acceptance of the key issues identified above.”

Brexit Timing Must be Carefully Considered

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The Farmers’ Union of Wales has welcomed the Prime Minister’s decision to delay invoking Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon and has called for the UK and EU to agree on a sensible timetable for Brexit after the UK electorate voted to leave the EU - or risk dire consequences for both the UK and the remaining 27 Member States.

“The FUW supported the remain campaign and was a member of Stronger In Europe, so we are naturally disappointed with the outcome,” said FUW President Glyn Roberts.

“However, as a democratic organisation we fully respect the outcome of the vote, and work must now start to build a positive future for farming and the rural economy of Wales outside the EU.”

Mr Roberts said the timescale of an exit was crucial to such planning, and that exit over too short a period would have dire consequences for both the UK and the EU.

“There is a monumental amount of work to do in terms of changing domestic arrangements and legislation, including in terms of Welsh devolved legislation, not to mention unravelling us from the EU budget to which we were previously committed, negotiating trade deals and dealing with issues such as border controls.

“Such issues will also require a huge amount of work at the EU level, and we do not believe a rapid exit over a couple of years would be in either the UK or the EU’s interests.

“It is likely to leave everyone with the worst of all worlds,” he added.

The Union has called for early meetings with the Welsh Government and is also engaged with UK Government to ensure that the voice of Welsh farming is heard during these challenging times.

“We have also reached out to other non-member states in order to better understand agricultural models in countries such as Norway and Switzerland, and these knowledge exchanges will ensure that the experience of other nations can benefit any plans being developed in Wales,” said Mr Roberts.

The FUW will also be using its wide network of county branches to ensure that the voice and views of members throughout Wales are heard during the planning and negotiation phases of any exit. A meeting of County Chairmen is planned for the first week of July.

“Our members’ voices must be heard, so we will consult with them as widely as we can to ensure that Wales gets what it needs to ensure a sustainable agricultural future and stronger rural economies.”

Referendum result

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The people have spoken and we respect the power of democratic decision making and must now work to develop appropriate plans and solutions for the future of agriculture. 

Careful consideration now needs to be given to the timetable for exit and our current thinking is that, if possible, our formal exit should coincide with the end of the current EU budgetary period in 2020 in order to help ensure a smooth transition.

Unravelling us from the EU budget to which we were previously committed; negotiating trade deals and dealing with issues such as border controls will take time. We do not believe a rapid exit over a couple of years would be in anyone’s interests and could leave us with the worst of all worlds.

This morning we are no wiser than we have been in recent weeks. There remains no clarity on what the future holds so our immediate concerns are to gain clarity and indeed to help shape that clarity for the benefit of farmers in Wales.

 

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Ca parte a parteneriatului nostru cu FUW, cazinoul nostru online Ice Casino lansează o serie de jocuri cu tematică agricolă, unde o parte din încasări vor merge în sprijinul agriculturii.

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