IN an exclusive interview , Farmers Mart editor Jason Hubbard caught up with the new Secretary of State for Environment , Food and Rural Affairs , Michael Gove . Jason pressed him on issues relating to Brexit and how they will affect UK farming .

Michael Gove was born in Edinburgh , Scotland , in 1967 , and spent most of his childhood in Aberdeen , brought up in a Labour supporting family . His early education was spent in both state and independent schools , before going to University at Lady Margaret Hall , Oxford , where he read English .

After finishing university , Michael began a career in journalism , starting at the Press and Journal in Aberdeen before moving to the Times in 1996 as a lead writer , working his way up to the position of Assistant Editor .

In 2005 , he embarked on his political career , being elected to parliament as the MP for Surrey Heath . He ’ s always been committed to raising education standards in state schools and helping children from less privileged backgrounds . So , in 2010 following the general election he was given the opportunity to put this into practice in his new role as Secretary of State for Education . In 2014 , he was appointed Chief Whip , a position he held until 2015 when he moved to the role of Secretary of State for Justice until 2016 .

He played a prominent role in the leave the EU campaign and was co-convener of the Vote to Leave campaign committee . Following the success of the leave campaign he served as Vice Chair of Select Committee on Exiting Europe . Then in 2017 after the General Election he returned to government as the Secretary of State for Environment , Food and Rural Affairs .

We managed to catch up with Michael , who made time during his busy schedule to answer some of our concerns regarding Brexit and how it will potentially impact on UK farming .

One of the main concerns for many in the farming community and population at large is the possibility of a No Deal Brexit . This for many would be a worst possible case scenario . According to experts , the impacts of having to implement a tariff-based system to export goods into Europe would have a detrimental effect .

Michael Gove and DEFRA ’ s position on this hasn ’ t changed over the last few months . Michael said : “ We are seeking a comprehensive free trade and customs agreement with the EU , along with bold new trade deals around the world .

“ I will do all I can to avoid the imposition of new tariff barriers and support a productive , highly competitive UK agriculture sector . We can sell more high-quality produce to the domestic market and increase exports abroad by opening new markets . Our farmers produce fantastic food that is renowned across the globe and my mission is to help them grasp all the opportunities leaving the EU will present .”

Another growing concern within the agricultural industry is the potential loss of unskilled labour force , especially in the horticulture sector . Current estimates place the number of seasonal workers in the UK at around 75,000 temporary migrant workers employed in UK agriculture and horticulture . Freedom of movement , which allows migrant workers the freedom to move around Europe , will officially end in Spring 2019 and a new immigration system will be in place . The concern from many employers is that they will see a significant

drop in temporary workers which will have a knock-on effect to their businesses . The NFU has urged the government to create an immigration policy that offers appropriate visas for recruiting seasonal labour from overseas . It ’ s expected that the labour shortages could be as low as they were in 2004 . UKIP has suggested the shortfall could be provided by recruiting from the student population .

When we asked what plans were in place to meet any labour shortages in the farming sector and what reassurances there were for those employers who rely on EU workers , this was the response from Michael and DEFRA : “ Securing a strong agricultural workforce is crucial as we develop a new approach to farming outside the EU . I ’ ve been meeting with farmers and industry representatives regularly to understand their labour market requirements .

“ Just last month , Farming Minister George Eustice met with food and farming industry representatives to discuss future access to seasonal labour for the agricultural industry . This meeting was a productive discussion

on industry expectations for the coming year and beyond . The Home Secretary has commissioned advice from the Migration Advisory Committee to better understand the role EU citizens play in the UK economy and society . My department will continue to work closely with our food and farming industry to consider their specific needs as we develop a new immigration system .”

Another major change that will affect the farming community will be the change in CAP ( Common Agricultural Policy ) payment subsidies . After Brexit , these would fall into the hands of the chancellor . This has some in the farming community worried , believing that once the subsidies are in the hands of the treasury and not the EU they will have to compete with services such as the NHS , Social Care etc for money . Some sectors that receive subsidies could be exposed to cuts , because the treasury would see that as a good way to save money . There have also been suggestions that subsidies could disappear altogether , or significantly change from what they currently are .

We asked Michael if CAP payments were likely to continue after Brexit , and if not , would there be a replacement and in what in form ? Are payments under existing agri-environment agreements likely to continue after Brexit ?

He responded with this statement : “ Leaving the EU is a golden opportunity to design a new approach to agriculture that works for our farmers . Outside the EU we will have the chance to reform how we manage agriculture and care for our land . To provide certainty for our farmers as we prepare to leave , we have pledged to match the same cash total in funds for farm support until the end of the parliament .