Originally Posted by Beoz (Post 12034734)

Its not just the consequences for farming communities. Its the entire export market.

Forget the local supermarkets, think export market. For example Britain is the 3rd largest exporter of lamb globally behind NZ and Oz. And when you are on Europes doorstep, that's not small biscuits.

The US has just started import large quantities of meat again.

There's money to be made here and British meat is regarded as the premium product due to the rain fed pastures.

On top of that, the Chinese are attempting to buy large amounts of global farming land as they perceive there to be a world shortage of food soon. Britain is next.

There's no way you want to drive farming to the wall. Its too valuable moving forward.

Originally Posted by Beoz (Post 12034734)

There's no way you want to drive farming to the wall. Its too valuable moving forward.

Originally Posted by OzTennis (Post 12034763)

You seem to be labouring under the misapprehension that I'm not aware of all this and don't understand the consequences and opportunities.

Originally Posted by astera (Post 12035159)

Very true. It's one of the reasons why the EU continues to prop up agriculture so strongly - the continent needs to sustain itself in case of any future crises as history shows that things can go south really quickly if you cannot feed your own population.

We can be reliant on China supplying us with socks, underwear or other cheap goods, but not something as crucial and basic as food (the most critical and important commodity in existence).

Originally Posted by Beoz (Post 12034721)

If only you could. Agriculatural land is protected in the UK.

Originally Posted by OzTennis (Post 12034727)

Britain was the first country to have an agricultural revolution, Britain was the first country to have an industrial revolution, Britain was the first country to have service employment outnumbering goods producing employment ............

Originally Posted by OzTennis (Post 12034604)

Most Tories see subsidies as a socialist idea and a barrier to free trade so logically their answer would be to let them go to the wall after Brexit

Originally Posted by Amazulu (Post 12035398)

Seeing the development that has happened in SE England, maybe not that well protected in some parts!

Originally Posted by Amazulu (Post 12035398)

I stand by what I said about agriculture being a niche industry in the UK - you only have to take a look around the local Tesco to see that - the UK's food bowl is the 3rd world and other parts of Europe

Originally Posted by Beoz (Post 12035417)

I see housing developments but they are hardly ever on agricultural land and if they are, they are only ever on a small site and generally joined to an existing village or town.

Its just too hard for developers to get approval.




This is the point - its not or never should be about local. It should be global.

Unfortunately the EU has stifled farming in the UK to a point that it's untenable for most farmers. Thank goodness the NFU is stepping in and showing some pro-activity.

Originally Posted by Beoz (Post 12035238)

Why not? Your focus is local rather than global. Its a left winger trait, don't worry, we are here to help.

Originally Posted by commonwealth (Post 12043050)

I'm not sure what we could be trading with each other.

Originally Posted by GarryP (Post 12043078)

Well Australia could trade agricultural goods and flip flops, and the UK could provide decent TV and beer.

Originally Posted by commonwealth (Post 12043050)

G20: Theresa May in talks over a free trade deal with Australia after Brexit

I'm not sure what we could be trading with each other.

We sell then Iron Ore, we buy their Land Rover made of Aussie iron ore?