The NFU’s chief Brexit adviser Gail Soutar ran through the main points of the document (NFU director of strategy Martin Howarth performed this role in Cornwall) including the future of direct payments, ideas for a system of payment to farmers for providing ‘public goods’, payments for allowing public access, risk management and coping with volatility.
Amongst the comments from the floor provoked by the presentation were: that the phasing out of BPS should be ‘fair and equitable to all’, that money should go directly to farmers rather than being channelled through ‘hangers on’ and that the landscape that brings so many visitors to the region was a by-product of farming – not the other way around.
NFU Vice President Stuart Roberts attended the meetings in Devon and told members that whilst issues like public access were important, it was important not to lose sight of what the main issues really were.
“What must be at the heart of this debate is profitable, sustainable food production. We must not forget that the biggest fear retailers have is not rising prices, but empty shelves. That is a message we need to get over loud and clear,” he said.
Mr Roberts added that Defra was expecting 100,000 responses to the consultation and it was vital that as many of those as possible came from active farmers rather than organisations only tangentially connected to farming.
“Whether or not you agree with what you’ve heard doesn’t matter as much as getting involved and letting Michael Gove know what you think. This is an opportunity to make our voice heard and we must take advantage of it,” he said.
Even if you weren't able to get along to one of the meetings, it's still not too late to have your say and we would urge you to do so. You can:
• Attend one of the many branch meetings that are taking place across the region
• Email your views to the NFU’s Brexit team at QnJleGl0QG5mdS5vcmcudWs= (by 27 April)
• Get in touch with your national or regional sector board as it discusses the vision for British farming
• Email Defra directly at agricultureconsultation@defra.gsi.gov.uk or fill in the questionnaire through the government’s citizen space at www.consult.defra.gov.uk. All responses must be received by 8 May.