Positivity at NSA Sheep Event despite ‘umbrella of concerns’
A positive atmosphere was said to be apparent to the flagship biennial event of the National Sheep Association (NSA), held on 18th July at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, in Worcestershire.
With a theme of ‘thriving in an uncertain future’, the one-day business-to-business event provided attendees with information, advice and ideas to safeguard themselves and their flocks for whatever happens politically over the coming months and years regarding Brexit.
The event attracted a large number of producers including foreign breeders, stakeholders in the supply chain, as well as a large representation of allied industries.
Lord Inglewood, NSA president, referred to this uncertainty as he officially opened the event.
Inglewood commented: “It would have been much better to have known what the deal on Brexit was before we voted on it but that’s not the way it’s been. What is happening in the House of Lords, because we have the time and the rules to do so, is to look at everything over this legislation.”
In addition to seminars, double the number of workshops were delivered at the NSA Sheep Event 2018 compared to previous years allowing visitors to focus on specific topics in more detail, including foot health, nutrition, responsible antibiotic use and sustainable parasite control.
Meat export specialist Jean-Pierre Garnier commented: “Despite the sunny weather, concerns regarding the way the UK will exit the EU were widespread.
“The British sheep meat sector is particularly exposed as it is one of the few agricultural commodities where the UK has a trade surplus and as lamb and mutton could face punishing WTO tariffs.”
Phil Stocker, NSA chief executive, added: “Given that the vast majority of the 35% of UK lamb exported from the UK goes into the EU, we absolutely do not want a no deal on Brexit. However, it would be irresponsible not to be ready and prepare for this possibility.
“Negotiations could still go very badly wrong and there is a risk we could crash out, fall back to WTO rules and face huge trade disruption – so we need to be ready and that is why it’s important to prepare for a no deal.”
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