On the 9th of March 2023, the UK Trade and Business Commission met to discuss the UK’s agricultural and fishing sectors.

The agricultural sector faces significant challenges following the UK’s exit from the European Union. From workforce shortages to administrative challenges, many farmers are experiencing ongoing down turns in profit and trade. Fishing was a key issue throughout the Brexit campaign, but is also facing a range of logistic and commercial challenges. The Commission asked six experts across the two industries what trade policies are needed by the UK Government to support these industries.

Witnesses

Panel 1: Agriculture

• Richard Griffiths, Chief Executive, British Poultry Council

• Nick Von Westenholz, Director of Trade and Business Strategy, National Farmers’ Union

• Orla Delargy, Head of Public Affairs, Sustain

Panel 2: Fishing

• Elspeth Macdonald, Chief Executive, Scottish Fishermen’s Federation

• Bryce Stewart, Senior Lecturer, University of York

• Chris Williams, UK Fisheries Expert, International Transport Workers’ Federation

• Phil Haslam, Managing Director, North Atlantic Fishing Company