The implications of future trade policy scenarios for the UK’s farming and horticulture industries has been examined by AHDB.
In the latest edition of AHDB's Horizon reports, the levy board explores how trade deals with the EU and the rest of the world following Brexit may impact UK agriculture and horticulture on a sector-by-sector basis.
It profiles each sector’s current trading position in the global arena and highlights the opportunities and threats associated with various potential terms of trade.
AHDB’s Stephen Howarth, who co-authored the report, said: “The sustainability and viability of food production businesses in the UK are underpinned by its relationship with the rest of the world.
“But the balance of imports and exports, as well as our levels of self-sufficiency, vary widely from sector to sector.
“We’ve taken a long, hard look at where those differences are and how they could be turned into an opportunity in future.
“This will help farm businesses and their supply chains anticipate the impacts of trade policy better as Brexit negotiations unfold and plan accordingly.”
The report covers AHDB’s levy-paying sectors – dairy, beef, lamb, pork, cereals and oilseeds, potatoes and horticulture.
It also looks at poultry meat in the context of its relationship with the red meat market.
It joins the suite of Horizon publications, produced by AHDB in the wake of the EU referendum and focussing on key issues for UK agriculture and horticulture.
Mr Howarth added: “Increasing productivity and profitability across the supply chain will also be critical in a post-Brexit world, especially in sectors where major global exporters are able to price more competitively.
“This will help UK businesses to remain resilient if access to the UK market is opened up to a wider range of suppliers.”
