FARMERS and those interested in the future of the rural economy are invited to an event in Petersfield called ‘Food and Farming After Brexit – what are our choices.’
Although organised by Petersfield Labour Party branch, the evening in the Rose Room of the Festival Hall is non-political says speaker Peter Willetts from Petersfield.
Peter is an Emeritus Professor of Global Politics at the University of London, and says there has been little meaningful debate about the ‘food’ future of the UK after Brexit.
He said: “Farmers are subsidised through the European Union (EU) managed Common Agriculture Policy at the moment, so do we continue protecting them this way, or do we take food from the rest of the world, and what will tariffs mean to the price of food in the shops, what is the best way forward, there has been very little public debate around this issue.
“Even if we join the European Economic Area, we will be leaving the Common Agricultural Policy, and this could be the aspect of Brexit that most affects our lives, so it would be very interesting to hear farmers’ points of view.”
Doors open at 7.30pm for the free entry event on Wednesday, November 8, and from 8pm Professor Willetts will present a view of the rural economy post Brexit, and what the main options are.
The meeting will then be opened to the audience for comments and questions.