THE next Government must urgently address the question of EU migrant labour in agriculture and the agri-food sector after Brexit.

A House of Lords committee says that without access to EU labour, both agriculture and food manufacturers will face severe difficulties it. “This is an immediate challenge, which the Government must address urgently as the UK approaches withdrawal,” it said.

The House of Lords EU Energy and Environment Sub-Committee looked into the impact of Brexit on the UK farming and agri-food sectors.

It said the agriculture sector will also need to overcome challenges posed by leaving the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) – not least the end of CAP funding.

Bringing agricultural policy-making back to the UK will also require careful consideration of the needs of the industry, future trade agreements and the devolution settlements.

“These changes will affect an industry which by its very nature must make long-term business decisions,” said its report. “A transitional period is needed to allow farmers to survive and prosper post-Brexit.”

Lord Teverson, who chaired the sub-committee up until the dissolution of Parliament, said:

“Post-Brexit the UK’s agriculture and food sectors face enormous challenges. Life after the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy will not be easy for the many UK farmers who rely on its financial support.

“But leaving the EU is also an opportunity for the UK, and its constituent nations and regions, to move away from the EU’s ‘one-size-fits-all’ policies on farming and food. We will be able to really think about what we want to do with agriculture, food and the environment.

“Trade – especially with the EU – is really important for the agri-food sector.

“It is unlikely that a comprehensive trade deal with the EU will be negotiated before Brexit, so a transitional deal is vital to avoiding a ‘cliff edge’ for farmers.

“The Government and the devolved administrations will also need to be careful that tailored agricultural policies don’t create non-tariff barriers for UK exports.”

The committee pointed out that 80 per cent of the UK’s agricultural exports go to the EU.

Post-Brexit, the UK will have to develop its own tariffs and negotiate new trade relations with the EU and wider world.

It said UK farmers risk facing high tariffs and significant non-tariff barriers when exporting, and competition from lower-priced imports domestically.

“Both tariff and non-tariff barriers could disrupt integrated supply chains between the UK and the EU, and pose a particular challenge for the agri-food sector in Northern Ireland,” it said.

The committee took evidence from key industry representatives, academic experts and the Government before drawing up its report.