NFU to remain member of EU farm lobby group

The NFU will remain a key member of an influential European farm lobby organisation – after the UK leaves the EU.

The Copa-Cogeca group represents farm unions and co-operatives from across Europe – fighting the corner on behalf of growers and livestock producers at the heart of Brussels.

The body has had numerous successes when it comes to influencing EU support for farmers, including the CAP.

See also: How an award-winning arable farm is preparing for Brexit

Copa-Cogeca rules require its members to be from EU countries – but that will no longer be the case for the NFU after Brexit on 29 March 2019.

However, the NFU will remain a Copa-Cogeca member – at least during the Brexit transition period which is due to last until to 31 December 2020.

The Copa-Cogeca praesidium – made up of representatives from its member organisations – voted on the issue of continued NFU membership on 14 June.

Unanimous approval

A spokeswoman said: “Copa and Cogeca unanimously approved that the NFU can be a full member of Copa and Cogeca until the end of the transitional period of the UK membership to the EU.”

Earlier, NFU director of policy Andrew Clark told Farmers Weekly it made sense for the union to remain a Copa-Cogeca member “for the foreseeable future”.

He said: “The NFU believes that working closely with our European colleagues on EU farm policy – and our shared farming future – is incredibly valuable.”

‘Vital work’

The NFU’s membership of Copa-Cogeca played a vital part in that work, added Mr Clark.

“For the foreseeable future, British farming will continue to follow the rules laid out by the CAP, alongside the thousands of other EU regulations and decisions that affect members on a daily basis.

The NFU would continue to fully represent the British farmers, working with its European allies to secure the best possible outcomes for members, said Mr Clark.