AS THE General Election approaches, the Agricultural Industries Confederation has published a document outlining what the UK agri-supply industry wants the next Government to deliver.

AIC's three key wishes are a Brexit outcome that recognises the strategic importance of UK agriculture; an economic growth agenda which lays the foundation for a competitive business sector; and recognition of the potential damage that a ‘no deal’ outcome on Brexit negotiations would inflict on UK agribusiness.

“For decades, the UK agricultural industry has been based on complex trading relationships both within the EU and beyond,” said AIC chief executive David Caffall. “There is a genuine desire for existing trade patterns to be preserved, not just within the UK, but across the EU and further afield, those who export to and import from the UK want to maintain these relationships.”

Within the UK, AIC seeks Government to affirm its financial commitment to agri-tech funding of programmes that deliver real benefits across the industry as part of a wider strategy on science and innovation in agriculture. It also called for formal recognition of the value of professional on-farm advice.

“AIC’s value of advice highlighted how both industry initiatives and Government sources influenced on-farm activity. However, to date, Government has failed to capitalise on the benefits that collaboration with industry could deliver in policy terms,” said Mr Caffall.

“The UK has benefited from industry investment in agricultural research and development. For this commitment to continue, industry needs clear signals that such work will be encouraged. Government needs to send a clear message to the world that the UK is a natural home for agricultural research,” said Mr Caffall.

The AIC document ‘General Election 2017 – what the UK agricultural supply industry seek’ is available as a download from the AIC website www.agindustries.org.uk