FUW meets key EU figures as Brexit countdown reaches 30 days

The Farmers’ Union of Wales has met with key figures in the European Commission and Parliament to discuss Brexit and its implications, with just 30 days to go before the UK is due to leave the EU.

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As well as meeting Welsh MEP Derek Vaughan and others, FUW President Glyn Roberts met with European Parliament Vice President Mairead McGuinnes, Vice Chairman of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee Paolo de Castro, and Commission cabinet member Tom Tynan.

Speaking after the round of meetings on Tuesday (February 26), Mr Roberts said: “With just thirty days to go before we are due to leave, the uncertainty and disorder around Brexit is having adverse impacts on businesses both in the UK and across the rest of the EU.

“The fact that it is costing hundreds of millions to businesses and governments in many countries is a grave concern.”

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Mr Roberts said this was one of the reasons the FUW maintained its belief that the only way to restore order was to revoke Article 50 then move to secure an agreement that has widespread support in Parliament, before re-submitting an Article 50 letter and withdrawing from the EU in an orderly manner.

“Contingency planning for a no-deal Brexit and the implications for UK-EU trade were also at the top of the agenda, as well as changes aimed at stamping out unfair trading practices in the supply chain,” said Mr Roberts.

Agreement on the EU Directive on Unfair Trading Practice was reached in December 2018, and is aimed at stamping out unfair practices affecting farmers and small and medium sized businesses position in the food supply chain.

“While the UK would not be subject to such legislation after the type of Brexit proposed by UK government, a great deal can be learned from this legislation,” said Glyn Roberts

Also discussed was the proposed reforms of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy and how these differed to the proposals in Wales and England.

“There was a general acknowledgement of the degree to which divergence between Welsh and EU policies would leave Welsh farmers at a significant disadvantage if the Welsh Government did not take full account of such factors.

“As such, is essential that the Welsh Government take a holistic view of any reforms, including the impact on markets and distortion of policies affecting our competitors in other countries,” he added.