Brexit government urged to take control of food, farming and fisheries for public good.

Over 80 organisations have signed a letter to David Davis and Theresa May to stress the important implications of Brexit on food and farming.

With many of the UK’s food and farming policies and subsidies being defined at EU level, the UK government now has an opportunity to reshape these to ensure that taxpayers money is spent for public good.

We are calling on government to adopt common-sense food, farming and fishing policies that are good for jobs, health and the environment, when they plan for the UK’s exit from the European Union. Concerns are expressed in a letter to Prime Minister Theresa May, and David Davis MP the new Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union. The letter, co-signed by over 80 food, farming, fair trade, poverty, animal welfare, wildlife, health and environmental organisations, argues that good food, farming and fishing policies must be central to any post EU Referendum strategy for the UK.

The organisations point out that better food, farming and trade policies can help to cut greenhouse gas emissions from farming and food industries by 80% by 2050, and promote healthier diets to combat heart disease, cancers, diabetes, and obesity, saving the NHS, and ultimately taxpayers millions. Such policies can also support a vibrant and diverse economy, supporting good jobs and working conditions, in the UK and overseas. Further, the UK could prioritise ethical and sustainable production methods, improved animal welfare, more farmland and marine wildlife, a healthy future for bees and other pollinators, as well as enhancing the beauty of the countryside and protecting the environment, whilst also providing a safe and traceable food supply.

UK policies on food, farming and fishing must support international development objectives and not undermine poverty reduction in the poorest parts of the world. This is an established principle and Brexit must not put it at risk.

Download the letter