Clarity Needed: Yorkshire Farmers Call for Government to Outline Brexit Plan

Strategic Insights -

As the UK's transition from the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to a new agricultural system unfolds, a senior farming figure in Yorkshire is urging the Government to provide clarity on the role farmers will play in Britain's post-Brexit future. Rachel Hallos, County Chairman of the West Riding NFU, believes British farmers must remain "reasonably aligned" with European rules to maintain trading relations with the continent. The Government's Agricultural Transition Plan aims to shift the focus from direct payments linked to land size to a system rewarding farmers for delivering public goods that improve the environment, animal health, and reduce carbon emissions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK's departure from the EU and CAP has left farmers facing changes they consider "a little bit scary" but also "really exciting."
  • The Government's Agricultural Transition Plan is phasing out direct payments for farmers linked to land size under CAP and replacing it with a system rewarding farmers for delivering public goods.
  • As of yesterday, a seven-year transition is underway from EU-based rules towards a system where the Government pays farmers to improve the environment, animal health, and reduce carbon emissions.
  • The Environmental Land Management Scheme has not yet provided much detail on how farmers will be paid for their work in protecting the environment.
  • British cheeses may become a rarity in Northern Ireland's delicatessen stores unless a fresh Brexit deal is agreed.
  • Supermarkets and food retailers have three months to adjust to the new export health certificate requirements for animal-based food products shipped to Northern Ireland.
  • Farmers will continue to receive the same amount of funding, but the distribution method will change under the new system.

Statistics:

  • 2,000 acres: The size of Beeston Hall Farm, where Rachel Hallos farms with her husband Stephen.
  • 4 years: The amount of time the industry has been talking about BREXIT and its effects on the agricultural sector.
  • 12 to 18 months: The timeframe for changes made on a farm to come to fruition.
  • 3 months: The time given to supermarkets and food retailers to adjust to the new export health certificate requirements.
  • 7 years: The duration of the agricultural transition from EU-based rules to the new system.

Sources:

  • Rachel Hallos, County Chairman of the West Riding NFU
  • Government's Agricultural Transition Plan
  • Farming Minister Victoria Prentis
  • Guide on Agricultural Transition Plan changes (published last year)
  • Yorkshire Post
  • BBC News