Stevenson Warns UK Gov Must Compensate Farmers Over 'No Deal' Brexit

Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has warned the UK Government must compensate North-East farmers in the event of a ‘No Deal’ Brexit.

It comes after a wealth of evidence which indicated that farmers would be worse off under every scenario when compared to the current trade arrangements, with some or all producers facing lower returns.

Sheep farmers are particularly at risk, with UK sheep meat exports worth £390m each year, and with nearly 90% of this destined for the European market, the prospect of tariffs as high as 45-50% being imposed on these exports would be devastating.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“It is clear a no deal Brexit is the biggest threat to farming and to our food and drink sector which is very important in the North-East of Scotland.

“More and more research shows that under all possible scenarios, a failure to replicate the current trade arrangements with the EU will have a detrimental impact on farmers, with our sheep sector under particular threat.

“UK sheep meat exports could suffer considerably if tariffs come into play. The UK Government needs to set out its policy on tariffs now, so that businesses are clear about what they will have to contend with.

“The UK Government should guarantee that farmers will be compensated in the event of a no deal.

“A failure to do so, would increase the risk of businesses going under, significantly reduce net profitability across beef, sheep and crops sectors, and lead to widespread land abandonment across the North-East.”