NFU Cymru members in Montgomeryshire heard from NFU Director of EU Exit and International Trade, Nick von Westenholz at their annual county conference.
Nick told conference goers that whatever happens, whether there is a deal or ‘No deal’ situation come the end of December, farmers should be absolutely clear that things will still change. He said: “The 1st January is a bank holiday, then we’ve got a weekend, but 4th January is the first Monday under the new arrangements and I think at that point we can expect disruption to start to build in. It may not be massive on day one but certainly over a period of weeks. This is because we will be treated by the EU like any other country, not a member, just a country, who may not have a trade deal with them.
“Whatever happens, there will be tariffs, major border restrictions and frictions, as well as requirements and checks that will come in to force on that Monday. If there is a deal, I do believe there is a good chance that the EU and the UK can act together and constructively to minimise the impacts and the effects of those new border requirements as much as they can. “There will still be impacts, but they will be in a constructive place. If there isn’t a deal, then this is going to make things a lot more difficult.
“We should expect some disruption over the first few months of the new year, but I advise you all to make sure your businesses are ready and resilient for that. Talk to your customers and suppliers and makes sure that they are ready and understand. Look at your contracts for example and look at what it means if there are suddenly tariffs applied as of early January, and if there are any cost implications - just make sure you are communicating.”
Nick also spoke to members about trade deals and the implementation of the Trade and Agriculture Commission. “Ideally, a trade deal is a win-win for both sides, but in reality, they are not interested in doing favours for the other party. If it happens then that’s great, but they are trying to secure wins for themselves.
“The NFU has been campaigning so hard on trade, particularly on standards, over the last few years. The creation of the Trade and Agriculture Commission is genuinely an important step forward and is a big success for the union. Farming is the only sector of the economy that has its own body set up by the government in statute, to advise it on its impact of trade deals on that particular sector. There is no other sector of the economy that has been given that treatment and I think we need to acknowledge that as an important win.
“The government is in a different place than it was, even just a couple of years ago when it comes to trade policy. They understand the potential impact on agriculture and farming if they get this wrong, in a way I don’t think they did before. There is a route where we can get some real succusses, and we can manage our trade policy and do trade deals in a way that is sympathetic to farming.”
NFU Cymru President John Davies also updated members on the lobbying work the union has been undertaking.
NFU Cymru Montgomeryshire County Chairman, Hugh Besent said: “I’d like to thank both Nick and John for taking the time to speak with us at our county conference. Nick spoke about the importance of trade deals and how we can prepare our businesses for the coming months and I urge everyone to do what they can to look after their livelihoods.”
NFU Cymru would like to thank HSBC UK for sponsoring all 11 of this year’s virtual county conferences.