A NEW grouping of agri-business organisations and associations has come together to pool their expertise ahead of official negotiations on Brexit.

The 'Agri-Brexit Coalition' involves the Agricultural Engineers Association, the Agricultural Industries Confederation, the British Society of Plant Breeders, the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers, the Crop Protection Association, the Grain and Feed Trade Association, the National Association of Agricultural Contractors, and the National Office of Animal Health.

AIC chief executive David Caffall, who is coalition coordinator, said that the new group would focus on the Brexit issues which are pertinent to the UK trading and supplying of goods, services, technology and advice to UK farmers, with the stated purpose of informing and influencing UK Governments to achieve a positive outcome to negotiations.

“Whatever shape UK agriculture takes over the coming years, the industry and the nation will depend on higher efficiency and productivity along with successful relationships with other countries," said Mr Caffall. “Members of this coalition are the principal means by which knowledge is transferred and technical advance implemented on farm. This is a collective resource which we can offer to UK Governments providing a ‘one-stop shop’ of expertise.”