UK food producers unite to demand free trade deal with the EU
2 min read
The UK’s leading food producers have demanded ministers secure a free trade deal with the EU and allow European migrants to work on British farms after Brexit.
A total of 36 organisations, including the National Farmers’ Union and the British Retail Consortium have urged the Government to pursue “free and frictionless” trade with the bloc in order to support the industry.
In a letter to the Sunday Times, the group has also called for “access to an adequate supply of permanent and seasonal labour for food and farming businesses”.
NFU Director of EU Exit and International Trade Nick von Westenholz said: “This statement is a strong signal urging Government to recognise the crucial role the food supply sector will continue to play in post-Brexit Britain.
“In providing people with a safe, secure and affordable supply of food to some of the highest welfare and environmental standards in the world; in managing over 70% of the UK landmass that is farmed; in providing 3.9 million jobs in industries both pre- and post-farmgate; and in contributing to two of the UK economy’s big success stories: UK manufacturing and retail.
“The Government must ensure it supports these vital advantages delivered by UK food and drink businesses as it negotiates our withdrawal from, and future relationship with, the EU.
“This is a strong coalition of 36 signatories that represent a huge range of food businesses from farmers and agricultural suppliers, to food manufacturers and retailers.
“And there is more to come; we have agreed to build on the principles discussed and agreed during the day and to produce a shared manifesto harnessing the support of food and drink companies across the UK ahead of the EU Council in March.”
It comes after a report earlier this week found that farmers were forced to leave food rotting in fields last year because they did not have enough pickers to harvest their crops.
Overall the NFU survey found that 12.5% of vacancies for agricultural labourers went unfilled in 2017.
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