Peers back CLA on Brexit priorities for agriculture

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The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) which represents farmers, landowners and rural businesses has responded to the Lords European Union Committee report on Brexit and agriculture, published today, 3 May.

CLA Deputy President Tim Breitmeyer said: “We welcome this important report and were grateful for the chance to give evidence to it. The CLA has called for an urgent review of the need for seasonal agricultural workers, and we are pleased that the Lords support us on this. We would call on the Government to make this a priority when they return to their desks in June.

“Brexit also presents many opportunities for agriculture, including creating a replacement for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). We are pleased that the Lords support our call for the design of a fully funded policy to replace CAP, that ensures a more resilient productive sector going forward, and we believe this should be a priority for whatever government emerges from the general election in June.

“Peers have set out that they believe that securing a good deal for agriculture must be a government negotiating priority. The CLA has put forward the red lines it believes Government must not cross when negotiating a trade deal with the EU and we will continue to press for these in the crucial months ahead.”