Leaders from across the nation's food supply chain have put their names to a manifesto setting out the key principles that can help ensure Brexit is a success for the supply of food in the UK.

The UK Food Supply Chain Manifesto, released 28 May, has been drawn up by organisations representing farmers producing the raw ingredients and their suppliers, right through to manufacturers and retailers.

It sets out the need for positive outcomes on trade, labour, regulation and domestic agricultural policy.

The principles set out in the manifesto including the need to maintain free and frictionless trade with the UK's major trading partner, the EU.

It calls for the government to secure the benefits of existing EU preferential trade arrangements, at least until the government can replace them with acceptable alternative arrangements.

The organisations appeal to the government to ensure ongoing access to an adequate supply of permanent and seasonal labour.

It also urges the continued promotion of food production through agricultural policy alongside existing environmental, health and animal welfare standards.

Lastly, the organisations urge the need for businesses to operate under an efficient regulatory system that is centred on scientific evaluation and that incentivises innovation and competitiveness.

Champion food producers

With little more than 10 months to go before Brexit, the manifesto emphasises the importance of ensuring the UK's departure from the EU does not undermine the food production and supply sectors in the UK.

The manifesto has been sent to the Prime Minister by NFU President Minette Batters on behalf of the signatories, as well as other key cabinet ministers.

Mrs Batters said a Brexit that failed to champion farmers and food producers «will be bad for the country's landscape, the economy and, critically, our society».

She said: «Conversely, if we get this right, we can all contribute to making Brexit a success for producers, food businesses and the British public, improving productivity, creating jobs and establishing a more sustainable food supply system.

«When it comes to the nation's ability to produce food, we believe it is critical that the different elements of Brexit are carefully considered by all Government departments — including the Prime Minister who has herself spoken about the importance of supporting our sector through Brexit in recent days.

The NFU President added: «As we enter this critical period in the Brexit negotiations, the signatories to this manifesto will be looking to Government to ensure its objectives are aligned with ours to ensure British food production — something of which every person in this country enjoys the benefits — gets the best possible deal post-Brexit.»

farminguk