The Trade and Investment session on day one, chaired by NFU Deputy President Minette Batters, considered the UK Government’s position on international trade, its impact on the consumer and whether British farmers will be treated fairly in any future trade deals.

Mrs Batters was joined on stage at the ICC, Birmingham, by Ian Wright, Director General, Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and Allie Renison, Head of Europe and Trade Policy, Institute of Directors.

“The Government’s White Paper states that “different transitional arrangements of varying lengths could be necessary for different sectors of the economy and the wider negotiation, from cars and food products to free movement of people”, said Mrs Batters, speaking before the conference.

“We believe any changes to trading relationships and the agricultural policy affecting farmers should be subject to a period of transition to allow farming businesses to adapt to any new environment.

“We are extremely concerned that the White Paper commits us to leaving the EU without having carried out any impact assessment as to what the consequences of trading under WTO default rules will have on rural Britain. If we don’t have a deal and we default to WTO rules, tariffs could be in place that price us out of the marketplace. There is a clear need for government to do this work. It’s not something we can analyse in two years’ time.

“One of the big unanswered questions is how we see our future trading relationship with Europe and subsequent trade agreements with the rest of the world. We have to do a deal with Europe and it is a deal that will shape our landscape for generations to come. The problem is that getting free trade deals in agriculture is notoriously difficult.

“Moreover we pride ourselves on our quality food production and high animal welfare standards and we want these qualities to be recognised in any future trade agreements. Food security is so important to us all – we do not want to be disadvantaged by imports that do not meet our own exacting standards.

“Food and drink is the largest manufacturing sector in the UK – worth £108 billion and providing jobs for 3.9 million people. British farming is the bedrock of this - not just feeding the nation, but in its contribution to the country’s economy and in creating jobs. There are real challenges ahead and questions to be answered. But there are plenty of opportunities for our industry so we have to make the case for what we do.”

Ian Wright, FDF Director General, said: “At a time of great uncertainty for the food and drink supply chain, it’s vital that the FDF and NFU work closely with one another to play a leadership role for our industries.

"The record food and drink exports announced today represents £20bn value to the UK economy that speaks volumes as to the importance of this dynamic and diverse industry. Speaking with one voice on areas such as trade and our future workforce needs will secure the best outcome for manufacturers, farmers and consumers alike.”

Allie Renison, Head of Europe and Trade Policy, Institute of Directors, added: “Nowhere does trade policy matter more than in agriculture. Brexit could provide huge liberalising opportunities for the food and drink sector, but it also poses a number of potential challenges in the short-term which must be dealt with first.

“While there will be some robust discussion to come about how to achieve the best outcome for UK farming through trade deals, the IoD welcomes the opportunity to work with the NFU to start that debate now in an open and constructive manner.”