MP meets local farmers to discuss Brexit challenges

Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert met South Downs farmers on Friday (28 April) to discuss the challenges they face as the UK begins its exit from the EU.

The meeting was convened by the West Sussex branch of the National Farmers Union (NFU) and was an opportunity for the farmers to present their concerns and views about how to ensure a healthy UK agriculture.  They said that Brexit is currently their biggest issue of concern and spoke about the impacts that future trade arrangements could have on production. 

The farmers urged Mr Herbert to ensure that the interests of British agriculture were safeguarded and pointed out the high animal welfare and environmental standards which they applied. 

Farming on the South Downs is one of the key industries in the area, delivering high quality produce and managing the landscape.  

Nick Herbert said:  “I valued the opportunity to discuss agricultural issues with local farmers, and with the Brexit negotiations beginning this is an especially important time for the industry. 

"We must never forget the importance of a healthy agriculture for the nation and for the management of the countryside.  That is never more evident than here in the South Downs. 

"I will always back British agriculture, and I will be watching carefully to ensure that future trade arrangements are fair to our farmers".

ENDS 

Notes

  1.     Photo: Left to right – David Exwood, County Chairman of NFU West Sussex, John Ford, Nick Herbert, Frans de Boer and Paul Crawley.

  2.     To read more about the National Farmers Union in Sussex see http://www.nfuonline.com/about-us/our-offices/south-east/west-sussex/