Union cites extreme wet weather and post-Brexit phasing-out of EU subsidies as main reasons for slump
Farmers’ confidence has hit its lowest level in at least 14 years, a long-running survey by the biggest farming union in Britain has found, with extreme weather and the post-Brexit phasing-out of EU subsidies blamed for the drop.
The National Farmers’ Union warned there had been a “collapse of confidence” and that the outlook was at its lowest since the annual poll of its members in England and Wales began in 2010.
Prior to the referendum, farmers in my constituency in Wales sported “Vote Leave” banners in their field. I attended a hustings organised by NFU Wales where farmers were given the opportunity to hear from speakers on both sides of the debate. Without exception, speakers on the panel speaking in favour of membership were shouted down (with insults being thrown at them) while speakers in favour of leave were listened to and given questions clearly in favour of leave.
The chairman was also clearly in favour of leaving the EU and demonstrated an unpleasantly partisan approach to his task.
The event was, arguably, one of the most unpleasant hustings I’ve ever attended, so you will forgive me for having little or no sympathy for the farming community.