Making agriculture a priority when it comes to the Brexit negotiations is crucial according to Dr Andrew Francis, Acting Chief Economics and International Affairs Advisor at the NFU.
Speaking at a consultation event he underlined the importance of gathering the views and ideas of farmers in order to develop a policy that they can put forward to the government.
He said this would help create a “dynamic, productive and prosperous agricultural sector going forward.”
The NFU is holding 49 meetings around the country over the next few weeks in order to consult farmers on post-Brexit agricultural policy.
Rachel Hallos, a beef and sheep farmer, said that having strong negotiators in place is a ‘must’.
She said that she was worried about the amount of influence farming has within government saying “I think the main thing is that we must have negotiators at that table banging the drum for agriculture."
NFU President Meurig Raymond said the Union are expecting "thousands" of members to engage with during the consultation.
"Despite it being a busy time for farmers I'm pleased hundreds have already turned out, showing that we're right to hold this consultation now," Mr Raymond said.
"It really shows that there is an appetite from NFU members to help shape the future of their great industry."
'Just the beginning'
Raymond said it was crucial that farmers have their say and encouraged as many as possible to attend the meetings between now and the middle of September.
"At the same time, I would ask the younger generation to also take advantage of our free membership offer in conjunction with the YFC, as they can play a very important part in our ongoing work.
"During our meetings, we’ve already covered a wide variety of topics, such as future trade policy, domestic agricultural policy and access to labour.
"These have been some of the big issues central to the policy framework farming needs for a certain future.
"Ultimately, what we need from this far-reaching exercise, is to provide a strong and united voice for the food and farming industry, to ensure that agriculture is seen as strategically and politically important in all future trade negotiations.
"These talks are just the beginning and I, along with the rest of the officeholder team, am looking forward to the days and weeks ahead."
The consultation period will end on 14 September 2016 – the day the NFU will hold Back British Farming Day to meet with MPs and talk about the dynamic and exciting future for British farming.
