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The impact of Brexit on British agriculture is stark, with recent figures revealing a staggering 37 per cent drop in sales of farm products to the European Union since the UK’s departure in 2020. This alarming statistic, unveiled by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), underscores the significant challenges that farmers have faced in the wake of new trading barriers.
Sales Plummet Across Key Sectors
An analysis of HMRC data conducted by the NFU highlights the breadth of the downturn. Exports of poultry have been the hardest hit, experiencing a decline of 37.7 per cent. Other sectors have also suffered, with beef sales down by 23.6 per cent, lamb by 14 per cent, and dairy products by 15.6 per cent. This decline is not merely a temporary setback; it reflects a broader struggle within the agricultural community to regain a foothold in the once-familiar EU market.
NFU president Tom Bradshaw emphasised that while Brexit is not the sole reason for these losses, it has undoubtedly exacerbated existing difficulties for farmers. “Simply reducing friction doesn’t mean we are going to get the EU market back again,” he stated, highlighting the reality that shelves in the EU are no longer waiting for British goods.
Challenges Beyond Brexit
The NFU’s concerns extend beyond immediate sales figures. Reports indicate that the farming community feels “bewildered and frightened” as they confront the uncertainties that have arisen since Brexit. A government review from December pointed to ongoing worries surrounding the closure of applications for the sustainable farming incentive scheme, which represents crucial post-Brexit agricultural support.
Baroness Minette Batters, the NFU’s first female president and a tenant farmer in Wiltshire, articulated the deep-seated anxieties within the sector. The report she led noted that farmers are grappling with a landscape of instability marked by rising costs, market volatility, and extreme weather events. “Farmers don’t want handouts from the state; they want to run thriving, profitable businesses,” she remarked, underscoring the desire for a fair return for their hard work.
A Call for Focused Support
As the UK and EU prepare for regular discussions regarding agricultural negotiations, the NFU calls for a concerted effort to rebuild demand for British products. Bradshaw stressed that restoring the market will require time, commitment, and a genuine focus on the unique needs of the farming community.
The farming sector is not just a means of producing food; it is a cornerstone of the UK economy. The challenges faced by farmers have far-reaching implications, affecting everything from local economies to food security. The need for actionable support and effective policies has never been more urgent.
Why it Matters
The decline in sales of British farm products to the EU serves as a critical reminder of the broader consequences of Brexit on the agricultural sector. As farmers navigate these unprecedented challenges, the situation calls for a renewed commitment from both government and society to ensure the sustainability of farming in the UK. The livelihoods of countless farmers depend on their ability to thrive in an increasingly complex market, making it essential that their voices are heard and their needs addressed. The future of British agriculture, and indeed the food security of the nation, hangs in the balance.
