No-deal Brexit would severely disrupt UK farming, says Gove

Environment secretary warns of tariffs and delays as NFU chief calls for firm guidance

A no-deal Brexit would spell severe disruption for the UK's farming and food industries, and hardship for small farmers in particular, the environment secretary, Michael Gove, has said.

Tariffs of as much as 40% would be slapped on British exports and products destined for the EU would be subject to a strict inspection regime, which would cause hold-ups and delays. Small farmers would be most at risk from the effects, Gove told the Oxford Farming Conference, adding that the "real gains" from Brexit, such as leaving the EU's common agricultural policy, would be at risk in the event of no deal.