National Farmers Union (NFU) president Minette Batters has issued a rallying call to South West businesses to "work together to make sure the voice of rural Britain is heard."
In a wide-ranging discussion with South West business leaders, hosted by law firm Foot Anstey, Mrs Batters last week acknowledged that poor understanding of agricultural business among politicians meant "it is difficult for the rural community to get its voice heard."
"We want a vibrant rural economy" she said.
To achieve that, she explained, the farming union's job was to "facilitate the conversations that make sure Britain is heard".
The Brexit Outlook
Mrs Batters was hopeful about the prospects of Boris Johnson's government agreeing a deal with the EU. "I do not think he will be looking to walk us out of the EU without a deal," she said.
"I think the more likely scenario is the withdrawal agreement in some form."
Simultaneously, however, she refused to play down the dangers that a no-deal Brexit would pose to rural businesses in the South West: "I get asked often if I can be more positive as to the outlook if there is no deal. The short answer is no."
"No deal for agriculture would be a disaster."
In an open letter to the new Prime Minister this week, Mrs Batters also congratulated Mr Johnson on his election as Conservative party leader and urged him to do everything in his power to ensure that the UK’s departure from the EU is carried out in a smooth and orderly way.
