It’s almost been a year since the June 23, 2016, referendum which saw the majority of British citizens voting for Britain’s exit from the European Union. Prime Minister Theresa May is working round the clock to make sure that this transition period is as smooth as possible.
It’s only been a matter of days since the Brexit Bill was finalised but tensions are already running high among many affected farmers in the UK. While the Bill has opened the door for negotiations to start, concerned farmers haven’t wasted any time in letting the Agricultural Industries Confederation Board (AIC) know of their worries.
Top Reasons Why UK Agriculture Needs Free Trade Agreement
Free trade agreements have in the past allowed the UK to enjoy goods from across the border and vice-versa at reasonable prices without having to pay additional surcharge taxes. With Britain leaving the EU this could mean that UK agriculture may be forced to pay tariffs to import produce, and this will negatively affect the economy. Farmers sending their produce abroad may also be faced with stiffer export charges. Without a trade agreement, things can only go downhill for UK agriculture.
If a trade agreement cannot be reached, it’s going to take some time to negotiate new deals. All the while this will be affecting UK agriculture.
Making the decision to leave the EU may have made sense at the time, but for now, it’s going to get a bit tough before the country stabilises.
The Agricultural Industries Confederation’s Stance on Trade Agreements
The AIC Board is fully aware of the sensitive nature of this transition period, and as such is proceeding with caution. Over the last couple of years, Britain enjoyed free trade with the European markets, but as tables have turned, it is now imperative that new systems and structures be set in place.
It is hoped that Britain will continue to have access to the Free Trade Agreement that it used to have prior to Brexit. While this may be asking a lot, Britain argues that it is the wiser option as both sides can be assured of the high quality produce coming from Britain. Britain is working hard not to lose already established trade markets in the EU.
What the Agricultural Industries Confederation Has Done So Far
The Agricultural Industries Confederation is well aware of the responsibility it has to its 260-plus members. There is also a £8.0 billion revenue at stake here, so there is no room for errors.
The AIC has gone ahead and reached out to its neighbouring partners in the region and hopes to maintain the ties that they had established over the years. Only time will tell what sort of relationship the AIC will continue to have with regional partners European Seed Association, FEFAC, CELCAA, COCERAL and Fertiliser’s Europe, and how this will all affect UK agriculture. But it’s clear to see that the UK desperately needs to maintain its Free Trade Agreements at all costs because, without it, the country is surely going to face a rough couple of years.
