BOTH the CLA and the National Sheep Association have issued warnings about the impact a ‘no-deal’ Brexit would have on farmers.

CLA president Tim Breitmeyer said the “extremely serious” scenario would have a “significantly negative economic effect”.

He urged EU member states to lobby their governments to ensure a sensible compromise that accommodated the need for frictionless trade between the UK and EU.

“Farmers and other rural businesses rely heavily on frictionless trade and movement of goods across EU borders,” he said. “A future relationship which imposes barriers to trade or excludes agri-food would put at risk farming businesses both here and in the EU.”

Phil Stocker, chief executive of the NSA, agreed. “NSA has been clear that British sheep farming needs to be able to continue to work with Europe post-Brexit,” he said. “The markets for sheep meat and other agricultural sectors are too important for the UK not to.”

However, he welcomed the fact the Government was putting protocols in place should there be a no-deal exit.

“Ironically, their publication may reduce the risk of a no deal,” he said.