As one of the highlights of the Welsh livestock calendar, the Royal Welsh Winter Fair, gets underway, farmers in the country remain anxious about the prospect of a “nightmare” no-deal Brexit, according to NFU Cymru.
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.
“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% depending on 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 particularly for producers in Wales concerned about the future of lamb export markets.
‘Time for action’
Evans said it was now time for politicians to take action.
“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 does at least go some way towards the free and frictionless trade that we all want to see with the EU,” Roberts added.
“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 make 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.”
