| Cereals
Cereals helps farmers to Brexit-proof their business
The whole country is aware of Brexit, but there is precious little knowledge as to what it actually means for farm
businesses. However, with Article 50 officially triggered, 2020 looming and Teresa May’s recent call for an election
adding another level of uncertainty, ensuring farm businesses are as resilient and Brexit-proof as possible has never
been so important - and this year’s Cereals Event will show you how.
rom concerns over
trade deals to
questions over
available chemical
treatments, there’s
no doubt that
Brexit will have a huge impact.
While the future is uncertain, what
is guaranteed is that there is a
unique opportunity ahead.
Knowing the best way to
manage change – while being
prepared for both the best and
worst case scenarios - can be
difficult. Helping farmers get to the
core of the issue, this year’s
Cereals Event (14-15 June) is
introducing a ‘Brexit-proof your
Business’ Knowledge Trail,
flagging up the most relevant
exhibitors and seminars to visit.
“We’re proud of the fact there’s
so much to do at Cereals, but
visitors often say it’s hard to see
everything they want to in just one
day,” says event organiser Jon
Day. “This year we’ve introduced
Knowledge Trails, to flag up
exhibitors relating to a specific
theme and show them on a map –
F
allowing visitors to make the most
of their Cereals experience.”
As political leaders negotiate
the next steps Lloyds Bank will
feature on this year’s Knowledge
Trail, offering advice to farmers on
how to prepare for what is ahead.
“Our number one tip is don’t put
your head in the sand; think now
how Brexit might affect your
business,” explains the firm’s Ben
Makowiecki. “Particularly look at
aspects like commodity prices,
subsidy payments, labour and
finance costs.”
From a practical perspective,
farmers need to budget for the
worst-case scenario then consider
what steps need to be taken to
improve the situation, he adds.
“We advise to really think about
existing finances: What happens if
the base rate increases? It’s also
worth considering what debt
farmers may need to expand or
change their business post-2020.”
The Arable Conference – in
association with De Lacy Executive
- at this year’s event will play host
to two Brexit themed debates.
34 | Farming Monthly | May 2017
Starting proceedings on the
Wednesday (14 June) is a panel
session on ‘Brexit, what does the
future hold?’ Speakers are set to
include the Secretary of State and
NFU president Meurig Raymond
as well as representatives from the
Agricultural Industries
Confederation (David Caffall) and
Agricultural Engineers Association.
Wednesday will also see a
practical session at the Arable
Conference, looking at how
evidence-based production could
play a critical role as UK farming
builds for a more sustainable
future.
The discussions don’t stop
there - AHDB will be hosting a
series of debates to explore the
threats and opportunities facing
the arable sector. Among these will
be a ‘Are you ready for 2020?’
discussion (12:30, both days),
headed up by AHDB lead analyst
Jack Watts. He will look at some
key resilience-building steps that
businesses can take ahead of the
UK leaving the EU. The debate will
feature alongside a ‘Brexit bucket
list’ exhibit to raise awareness of
key questions to be considered by
farming businesses ahead of
Brexit.
“EU market access, import
competition in the domestic
market, and post-Brexit farm
support policy are all key themes
for the UK arable industry,”
explains Mr Watts. “Given all the
uncertainty, businesses may be
tempted to take a ‘wait and see’
approach. But there are proactive
steps businesses can take to put
them on the front foot and in a
stronger position to cope with, and
even capitalise on, change.”
Other exhibitors featuring on the
Knowledge Trail include:
• CLA - looking at the impacts
of Brexit and putting support
measures in place that
landowners, farmers or those
working in rural businesses need
to manage and protect interests.
• Brown & Co – offering its ‘Fit
for the Future’ strategic property
and business review service,
helping farm businesses adapt to
change.
www.farmingmonthly.co.uk