The British Leave Vote Impact On EU Agriculture

Like virtually everyone else in the world this past week, I’ve watched the global reaction to Britain’s vote to exit the European Union (EU) and resume “going it alone” on the world economic stage. For financial institutions and stock buyers, this has led to several days of declining stock markets around the globe, falling currency values, and government resignation announcements.

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What part of agriculture will be most negatively impacted by Britain's exit from the EU?

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But what might it mean for agricultural interests in the EU? Let’s consider recent history. At the end of June, the popular herbicide glyphosate will begin being phased out of use across EU countries because the 28 current member countries were not able to come to some kind of consensus agreement on extending its use. Yet, 20 members did vote in favor of keeping glyphosate as a viable product for consumers and growers in the EU to use, including the United Kingdom (U.K.). With Britain’s exit from the 28-member country block, larger countries that abstained from voting for glyphosate’s continued use such as France, Italy, and Germany will represent an even bigger proportion of the EU’s total population (in excess of 65%, based upon estimates).

In terms of the other big agricultural issue among EU member countries – the use of biotech crops – the U.K. historically has fallen in line with other members in rejecting the growing of biotech crops on its soil. However, in recent years, outgoing Prime Minister David Cameron had begun making statements in support of biotech crop use in the country. With his exit in October, this support could quickly evaporate, which means one less voice advocating the use of biotech crops will be heard across the EU as well.

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