No-deal Brexit puts UK at risk of running out of food, says farmers’ group
Britain will run out of food a year from now if Brexit happens without a ‘free and frictionless free trade deal with the EU’, says the National Farmers’ Union
London — The UK will run out of food by this time next year if a no-deal Brexit forced it to rely solely on its own produce, a farmers’ group warned. British food supplies would be exhausted by August 7 2019, if the country ate only its own products from January 1, the National Farmers’ Union said on Tuesday, highlighting the UK’s reliance on imports from the European Union and other regions. The group called for the government to prioritise food security in Brexit negotiations. UK farming "has the potential to be one of the most impacted sectors from a bad Brexit", National Farmers’ Union president Minette Batters said.
"A free and frictionless free trade deal with the EU, and access to a reliable and competent workforce for farm businesses, is critical to the future of the sector." Britain produces just under two-thirds of its own food, according to government figures for 2017, and most of the rest comes from the EU. Concern about the impact of Brexit is rising as trade secr...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.