The farm business consultancy firm, Andersons, is to run a series of Brexit seminars in September with the promise of giving producers a “detailed examination” of the likely impact on the farming industry of the UK leaving the EU.
The seminars, which will be held at locations throughout England and Scotland, will cover the Brexit process and timetable, possible future trade and support arrangements, economic effects, farm profitability and the overall prospects for the sector. They will explore the implications for the future structure of farming and farming businesses, and those that service them.
Delegates are promised that they will come away with a deeper understanding of the impacts of Brexit on the farming sector, allowing them to understand the needs of clients and customers better, while also being able to prepare for the future.
“By looking at the future prospects for the industry post-Brexit as a whole, the seminars will prompt you to think about the direction of your own organisation and make decisions accordingly,” said Andersons.
The firm has already given farmers the following five-point check list to consider following the Brexit vote:
- Closely monitor exchange rates as they will have a major impact on short-term competitiveness.
- Understand the trade flows that affect your business.
- Quantify the potential impacts if direct payments are reduced under a British Agricultural Policy.
- Assess how much your business relies on migrant labour and what contingencies are needed.
- What new opportunities will be created?
The firm’s seminar dates, all to be held in September, and venues are:
- 12 – Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester
- 13 – Exeter Racecourse
- 15 – East of England Showground, Peterborough
- 16 – Harper Adams University, Shropshire
- 20 – Royal Highland Showground, Edinburgh
- 21 – York Racecourse
- 23 – RAF Club, London