Brexit and Agriculture

This book provides an in-depth analysis of agricultural policy developments across the UK's four nations, arguing for a more ambitious departure from the Common Agricultural Policy and promoting a 'resilient agriculture paradigm' through social-ecological services, net zero, agroecology, and agri-food democracy. It assesses the implications of WTO law for the UK and its devolved administrations, the significance of the Northern Ireland Protocol, the Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the EU, and other free trade agreements for standards and access to markets.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 338 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Brexit has brought about significant challenges and opportunities for the agrifood supply chain and agricultural policies across the UK. In response, this book offers a comprehensive analysis of agricultural policy developments across the four nations, grounded in robust theoretical and practical foundations. The author argues that the four nations could be more ambitious in their departure from the Common Agricultural Policy and explore beyond the 'public money for public goods' approach adopted across the UK. The book critically examines the core attributes of these policies, including the debate over outcome-based schemes, governance mechanisms, impacts on farm diversity, and the reliance on the Common Agricultural Policy. It advocates for a 'resilient agriculture paradigm' and highlights social-ecological services, net zero, agroecology, and agri-food democracy as key pathways to achieve this. The book scrutinizes the evolving contextual, political, and legal landscape within which devolved and UK agricultural policies are developing, from a multilevel governance perspective. It examines the implications of WTO law for the UK and its devolved administrations in setting environmental, food, and animal welfare standards under the GATT, SPS, and TBT Agreements, as well as financial support schemes under the Agreement on Agriculture.

The book assesses the significance of the Northern Ireland Protocol, the Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the EU, and other free trade agreements for standards across the UK and market access. From a domestic perspective, challenges to devolution and the stability of the Union are highlighted. Elements of unilateral recentralization are evident through financing mechanisms, the UK Internal Market Act, and the Agriculture Act.

The book also explores the potential for collaboration and coordination between the devolved administrations and the UK government to address the complex challenges posed by Brexit. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong agricultural sector and ensuring that rural communities continue to thrive. Overall, this book provides a valuable contribution to the understanding of agricultural policy developments in the UK and offers insights into the future direction of agricultural policies in the post-Brexit era.

Weight: 564g
Dimension: 234 x 154 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032190730