THE NFU says a 'no deal' Brexit scenario would be 'catastrophic' for British agriculture.

Commenting on Government technical notices released on Monday, it said they confirmed farmers’ fears that a no-deal would have devastating impacts for British food and farming.

The notices suggest the export of animals and animal products would face a cliff-edge scenario as the UK would need to be approved by the EU as an exporter – a process that could take a minimum of six months.

The NFU says this underlines the critical importance of a deal that delivers free and frictionless trade. The total value of agri-food exports to the EU in 2017 was £13bn, of which £3.15bn was animal and animal products.

Minette Batters, NFU president, said: “These technical notices confirm in black and white what we already knew: a no deal scenario would be catastrophic for British agriculture. A scenario where farmers face an immediate trade embargo for many of their products would have devastating effects, and would severely threaten livelihoods and businesses.

“While these notices are an essential part of Government planning, it is crucial that the Government does as much as possible to avoid disruption for farm businesses in all outcomes. We urge everyone in the negotiations to work to achieve a deal that delivers free and frictionless trade between the UK and the EU.

“The NFU has been clear that its priority is achieving this essential trading relationship with the EU, its largest trading partner, and we will continue to engage with the UK Government to reiterate the strategic importance of British food and farming to the country.”