With 52% of Brits voting in favour of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union in June, there is equal anguish and celebration among farmers across the UK concerning the future of their industry. Before voting commenced on 23rd June, polls revealed the agricultural sector was strongly divided on the matter, with trade, migrant labour, animal health, GMO and farmer subsidy issues at the forefront of the discussion.
While some view Brexit as an opportunity for UK to dictate it’s own agricultural policies without the regulatory burden of the European Union, many fear access to a currently tariff free European market of 500 million consumers may cease, that the new government may not continue to provide the farmer support and subsidies currently offered to UK farmers by the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and that disruption to the use of migrant labour may occur. There is also concern the impact of environmental and conservation lobbies on the policy making process may limit potential for profit in the future.
Despite the difference of opinion, It is widely agreed the 2 year negotiation period between the UK and EU, and the subsequent policies introduced by the reigning UK government will be the most important factor in determining the success of a new UK farming and agricultural industry.