NFU Director of EU Exit and International Trade has told farmers that they should expect some disruption over the first few months of 2021.

Speaking at the annual Montgomeryshire conference, Nick von Westenholz advised members to make sure their businesses are ready and resilient whether there is a deal or ‘No deal’ situation.

He said: “

“Whatever happens, there will be tariffs, major border restrictions and frictions, as well as requirements and checks that will come in to force on that Monday (January 4). If there is a deal, I do believe there is a good chance that the EU and the UK can act together and constructively to minimise the impacts and the effects of those new border requirements as much as they can. There will still be impacts, but they will be in a constructive place. If there isn’t a deal, then this is going to make things a lot more difficult.

“Talk to your customers and suppliers and make sure that they are ready and understand. Look at your contracts for example and look at what it means if there are suddenly tariffs applied as of early January, and if there are any cost implications - just make sure you are communicating.”

Nick also spoke to members about trade deals and the implementation of the Trade and Agriculture Commission.

“Ideally, a trade deal is a win-win for both sides, but in reality, they are not interested in doing favours for the other party. If it happens then that’s great, but they are trying to secure wins for themselves," he said.

“Farming is the only sector of the economy that has its own body set up by the government in statute, to advise it on its impact of trade deals on that particular sector. There is no other sector of the economy that has been given that treatment and I think we need to acknowledge that as an important win.

“The government is in a different place than it was, even just a couple of years ago when it comes to trade policy. They understand the potential impact on agriculture and farming if they get this wrong, in a way I don’t think they did before. There is a route where we can get some real successes, and we can manage our trade policy and do trade deals in a way that is sympathetic to farming."