trade

The Government has left businesses in a state of Brexit uncertainty for too long, and it still remains unclear how we will trade with the EU in less than 100 days. That is astonishing, says Sue Pritchard, chief executive of the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission.

The House of Lords has voted to ban low-standard food imports under any future trade deals with a majority of 95.

Defra Secretary George Eustice has rejected calls from farming groups and MPs to put the Trade and Agriculture Commission on a statutory footing.

Farmers have learned more than they ever wanted to know about trade and international treaties since Brexit, and it should not be too much to ask for those who govern us to do the same, says Dr Nick Fenwick, FUW’s head of policy.

Asking farmers to build on their progress and go even further to protect the countryside is the right thing to do, but they must be given as much support as possible from Government to get the job done, says High Peak MP Robert Largan.

As I write this, we are busy preparing for our annual gimmer lamb sales at Junction 36 and Lancaster.

Sterling continues its Brexit-inspired rollercoaster ride, with a further drop in value early this week, as talks between the UK and EU became increasingly fraught.

The new trade deal agreed with Japan has been hailed as ‘potentially a great boost’ for UK food and farming products.

Potato seed and ware exports from the UK could be interrupted in a Brexit no deal scenario and there are signs that seed potato growers are looking to export potatoes before the transition period ends on December 31.

Beef and lamb prices have remained strong, resulting in some cautious optimism for producers, although in such a volatile market it would be foolish to rule out the prospect of clouds on the horizon.