Agricultural implications of Brexit

The author expects the status quo will prevail and the UK will remain in the EU. If we leave the changes will cause some disruption and hardship in the short run. Farms most vulnerable are those dependent on current payments, for example the grazing livestock sector, and farms which are heavily borrowed. However, markets for all inputs and services to farming will adjust to these shocks, and processors and retailers will be concerned to ensure continuity of supplies. Farmers themselves will adjust; there is much scope to improve UK agricultural productivity which has slipped compared to other EU countries.

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