LEADING Brexit campaigner George Eustice has retained his position as Defra farming minister – and farmers will get an early chance to quiz him about his plans for the industry when he officially opens the NSA Sheep Event on Wednesday July 27, at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire.

Mr Eustice will be speaking at 10:30am at the official opening on the NSA stand, where many hope he will provide some comfort to concerned farmers following the result of the EU referendum, particularly given the assurances he made during campaigning for a 'leave' vote.

“We’re delighted George Eustice has not been affected by recent Government restructures and is able to return to the Sheep Event after he officially opened the last event in 2014,” said NSA chief executive Phil Stocker.

“In these incredibly turbulent times it is helpful that our farming minister has retained his position, as this at least gives us some continuity for the future. We look forward to starting our post-Brexit discussions with Mr Eustice at NSA Sheep 2016 and hearing his comments on what the UK-equivalent of the EU Common Agricultural Policy might look in the future.

“Mr Eustice comes from a farming background, and his family still run a fruit farm in Cornwall, so he is aware of the challenges currently facing farmers,” added Mr Stocker.