The National Sheep Association (NSA) has called on everyone in the livestock sector to unite together following the UK’s decision to leave the EU.
NSA chief executive, Phil Stocker, said the whole UK farming sector had been left “completely in the dark and rudderless” due to the lack of a Plan B for farm subsidy support in the event of a Brexit.
He called for a united front in the livestock sector to ensure a positive outcome for agriculture in Brexit negotiations.
“NSA is working on a list of priorities for the sheep sector and, knowing that other stakeholders will be doing the same, we want to work together to ensure a single voice for agriculture,” said Mr Stocker.
“Now is not the time for one-upmanship. Now is the time for clear dialogue and direction. We want to set an example for the politicians and fight side-by-side for a positive future.”
He said the food and farming sector needed priority treatment in political negotiations because it provided more than 3.5million jobs and contributed to 7% of the UK economy.
“Farming is not only important to the economy, to employment and to the survival of rural communities, it also produces the most essential ingredient of life – food,” added Mr Stocker.
“Ensuring food security for the nation is essential at a time when markets, economies and political relationships are highly volatile, yet farming has taken a back seat in discussions before and after last week’s vote. A united voice from the agricultural sector must be heard. And the politicians who encouraged people to ‘vote leave’ need to be held to the attractive promises they made.”