The UK farming unions arrived back in 1972, a year ahead of the UK’s official entry into the European Economic Community in 1973, to influence regulations that would impact on UK farmers.
Maeve Whyte, current director of the Brussels office, said: “I am proud to say that over the past four decades this office has developed a reputation as one of the most astute and well-connected of all farm lobby groups in Brussels.
“Since 1972, when we established our office here, the rules and regulations on agriculture and the environment have come hard and fast. From the type of fuel you put into your tractor, to the size of your single farm payment. From how to tag your livestock, to which pesticides you can spray on your crop. Given this monumental impact on British agriculture it is essential that the UK farming unions are working in Brussels to shape legislation from its inception.
“You don’t need to look any further than the current reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, which is worth almost £4billion to UK farmers, to see why it is important that we continue to engage in Europe.
“It is easy for farmers to poke fun at Brussels – the home to stories on bendy bananas and curvy cucumbers – but this often quirky Belgian capital outstrips even Westminster in its strategic importance to UK farmers and if we failed to engage our industry would be left behind.”
The UK farming unions will mark their 40 years in Brussels with a reception for high-level officials from the European institutions, stakeholders and fellow farming unions. Guests will be treated to an array of food and drink from around the UK.