'Eustice must bring certainty to Britain's farmers'

Farming Minister George Eustice will be addressing the future of farming at the Northern Farming Conference in Hexham later today (November 9).

Mr Eustice, who first spoke at the event three years ago, will update delegates on the Governments plans for a future for food and farming post-Brexit.

The theme of this year’s conference is: ‘Farming: Where I see my future’.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has challenged Mr Eustice to back Britain’s farmers by committing to the single market and ruling out a cut in farm support payments.

If the UK leaves the single market, UK farmers could face ‘crippling’ tariffs on exports.

“Farmers are desperate for certainty, and the government should be up-front with them about the future,” Mr Farron said.

“I am challenging him to commit to retaining membership of the single market and to maintaining the level of farm support payments post 20-20.

“Without continued support and the ability to trade freely, huge numbers of local farmers will be put out of business, and with them will go the landscape and way of life that characterises rural Britain.”

Other speakers at the conference include David Blacker, who specialises in precision farming and improving organic soil matter, and Anthony Carroll of Carroll’s Heritage Potatoes.

The event will be held at Hexham and Northern Auction Marts and run by the CLA and Strutt and Parker.

To follow the event on twitter, follow @farmersguardian or @FGlaurendean