Key stakeholders from the livestock sector across the UK gathered in Birmingham yesterday (August 4) to plan a route forward for farming after Brexit.
Agreeing that the industry bodies should work together, the organisations started to look at ways they can positively support the UK and devolved Governments as negotiations start and crucial decisions are made in this long process.
Chris Dodds, Executive Secretary of the Livestock Auctioneers Association, instigated bringing the organisations together.
He believed a collaborative approach between the livestock sector and Governments can only be beneficial at a time when a framework for the future of the industry needs to be formed that is as robust as possible to pass on to the next generation.
Attending the meeting were 10 UK livestock industry organisations, the FUW, TFA, IAAS, NBA, NSA, NPA, NFUS, CAAV, LAA and SBA.
Regular meetings to now take place
"We agreed that regular meetings of this nature will now take place going forward to discuss trade, support and future regulatory issues and developments.
"This is a positive opportunity for the livestock sector to shape future policy post Brexit, and to help Governments as much as possible by working in a collaborative way to deliver a profitable and dynamic industry," said Mr Dodds.
The group agreed to work through the practical implications of the various policy development aspects ahead so that issues can be discussed with Governments in a united way, whilst maintaining the respective organisations’ individual responsibilities to their members and respecting devolution.
The group agreed that this is far too important an issue for the industry to approach it in a fragmented way.
"The industry’s future is at stake, and the next generation must be protected. Working together will provide the best opportunity to get it right," said Mr Dodds.
The group agrees it needs to be creative and support the Governments with "solid recommendations" to show that there is one overall message from the UK livestock sector.
"There is a need to be clear and articulate and to provide a strong voice," Mr Dodds concluded.
