10 reasons British farmers are better off outside the EU

The UK is moving inexorably towards Brexit, whether farmers like it or not.

There is still much uncertainty and many great unknowns about what will happen to agricultural policy after the country leaves the European Union.

Berkshire farmer Colin Rayner, who actively campaigned for Brexit during the EU referendum debate, challenged Defra minister Andrea Leadsom to offer 10 good reasons why we should be better off outside the EU.

See also: What the farming unions want from Brexit

In her reply, Mrs Leadsom said she was confident that “a stronger industry and a bright a prosperous future awaits British farming outside of the EU”.

Here are the minister’s responses:

1. With more than 80% of Defra legislation derived from the EU, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our food and farming policies, enabling us to meet our twin ambitions both to grow more, sell more and export more food and to leave the environment in a better state.

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2. Leaving the EU presents a major opportunity for UK agriculture. This government will be able to design new policies that specifically benefit British agriculture, the countryside and the environment, and provide better value for money to the British taxpayer.

3. We have identified a number of priority markets, including the US, China and India, and the Great British Food Unit will continue to champion the excellence of British food and drink at home and abroad.

4. British food and drink is already renowned and respected for its high standards of animal welfare, food safety, and food traceability. We have gone further and faster than many in the EU to improve welfare standards and now we have the opportunity to go even further, so people at home and abroad will continue to have faith in British produce.

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5. We can design new policies that specifically benefit British agriculture, enabling this vital industry to go from strength to strength and take advantage of a growing demand for the British brand.

6. Leaving the EU provides us with an opportunity to put innovation and technology at the heart of farming, creating a more competitive, productive and profitable industry.

7. With less red tape, we will also be able to better future-proof farm businesses and support them from the range of issues that can affect them, from flooding, to market volatility and disease.

8. Our 25-year plan for the environment will build on our long history of wildlife and environmental protection, but will also enable us to set out a new comprehensive approach to managing the environment that is specific to our needs.

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9. We can create a new system of farming support that will have environmental protection at its heart, with farmers being properly recognised for the role they play in protecting and enhancing our unique landscapes.

10. Leaving the EU provides a unique opportunity to work with industry, rural communities and the wider public to design a food and farming industry tailored to our own needs, enabling us to deliver our vision for a world-leading food and farming industry, and a cleaner, healthier environment, benefiting people and the economy.