The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) will be presenting the findings of its work looking at the implications for farm businesses across the different farming sectors.
Farmers will then be briefed on the NFU’s policy work around Brexit and its vision for agriculture once the UK exits the European Union.
NFU Director of EU and International Trade Nick von Westenholz is speaking at East of England Showground, Peterborough on Wednesday 18 October, with Chief EU and International Trade Adviser Gail Soutar speaking at Trinity Park, Ipswich on Monday 23 October. Both meetings are 7pm for 7.30pm, with a pay bar beforehand.
Gail Soutar said:“AHDB’s impact assessment work on Brexit isn’t a prediction of what will happen when we leave the EU but it looks at several potential scenarios.
“There will inevitably be impacts on farms, depending on Government decisions on support payments and the tariffs that we pay on exports and importers pay.
“The aim is, by understanding the extremes of what is possible, members will be better placed to get their own businesses ready for when we leave the European Union. They can get a good sense of what the potential challenges are and consider what steps they can take to prepare.”
Following the AHDB presentation, farmers will hear the NFU’s vision for farming after Brexit and how it is lobbying in the key areas of productivity, volatility and the environment.
NFU Regional Director Robert Sheasby said:“These meetings come at a crucial time for the country, and the countryside, and we urge farmers to attend.
“The Government is expected to publish a consultation on a draft Agriculture Bill by the end of the year and members will have an opportunity to shape the NFU’s contribution to this by taking part in the meetings and giving feedback on the latest policy position.”
The Peterborough meeting is being organised in conjunction with East of England Agricultural Society and the Ipswich meeting is in conjunction with Suffolk Agricultural Association. Places at either venue can be booked here.