NFU Cymru warns of 'nightmare' no-deal Brexit

26 November 2018

As the Welsh agricultural industry looks ahead to one of the highlights in the UK livestock calendar, the Royal Welsh Winter Fair, farmers in Wales remain anxious about the prospect of a ‘nightmare’ no-deal Brexit, according to NFU Cymru.

The livestock classes at the annual Royal Welsh Winter Fair 2018 are renowned for hosting some of the finest primestock in the world; however this year’s event, hosted in Llanelwedd, is likely to be the last with the UK still being a member of the European Union.

NFU Cymru Livestock Board Chairman Wyn Evans said: “While political developments seem to gather pace and a draft withdrawal agreement has now been set down by the Prime Minister, the ongoing political uncertainty means that the threat of a no-deal Brexit still looms large, and that outcome would be a nightmare for the Welsh farming industry.

“Today sees the start of the Royal Welsh Winter Fair, an event that is synonymous with the best primestock not just in Wales, but anywhere in the world. It looks likely that this year’s event will be the last in which the UK is still a Member State of the European Union. While the threat of a no-deal Brexit is still at the door, Welsh farmers are rightly worried about the devastating impact that could have on our industry.

“It is clear that opportunities exist for the Welsh farming industry in a future outside of the European Union, but even the most optimistic of Welsh farmers will be wincing when it comes to considering a future where we crash out of the EU and fall back on WTO terms. Exports of lamb would face an effective tariff rate of 46%, whilst for beef effective rates would be much higher at anything between 48% and 84% according to the cut. At the same time we could see the UK Government lower or remove import tariffs on imported food.

“A no deal scenario will see the UK needing to be recognised as a third country by the EU, with our access to our closest and largest market closed until this approval is gained. It’s a process dependent on political will but which could take six months or longer.

“Earlier this month, NFU Cymru gave a cautious welcome to the withdrawal agreement and political declaration. The withdrawal agreement provides for a transition period of almost two years during which time everything remains largely the same, and would offer the sector some stability and certainty. 

“Whilst I struggle to see how our level and ease of access to European markets post-transition can ever be the same as it is now, the political declaration, which considers our trading relationship with the EU27 after the end of the transition, does at least go some way towards the free and frictionless trade that we all want to see with the EU. The talk of a comprehensive agreement on a free-trade area, with provisions ensuring zero tariffs, no fees, charges or quantitative restrictions across all sectors, is welcome. Reference to recognising the UK’s commitments on customs and regulatory co-operation, including alignment on rules, when applying checks and controls at the border is also welcome.

“The time has come for politicians across all parties to put their political differences aside to secure a future that is in the interest of the people of the UK and Welsh farmers, in particular. Farming is a long term business and the ongoing uncertainty over our future relationship with the EU makes it extremely difficult for farmers to take decisions that will affect their businesses long into the future. It’s time that uncertainty was put to bed. As the nation’s food producers and custodians of the Welsh environment, landscape and our language, we have a critical role to play for our communities. Now is the time to provide us with the clarity and certainty that will enable us to make important decisions to drive our businesses forward and ensure we keep delivering for Wales.”


Ask us a question about this page

Once you have submitted your query someone from NFU Cymru will contact you. If needed, your query will then be passed to the appropriate NFU policy team.

You have 0 characters remaining.

By completing the form with your details on this page, you are agreeing to have this information sent to the NFU for the purposes of contacting you regarding your enquiry. Please take time to read the NFU’s Privacy Policy if you require further information.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.