THE farming community in Pembrokeshire’s is sharply divided over how Brexit will affect their future.

Although the practicalities of running a farm in this important farming region has seen farmers taking a ‘business as usual’ approach, there can be no doubting that the referendum result will change forever the way the sector works here.

Much has been made of the voting pattern with the younger generation favouring remaining in the European Union and older voters opting to leave.

But Richard Summons, county chairman of the YFC in Pembrokeshire, says not only are young people in Pembrokeshire very divided on the outcome but so too is the agricultural community.

“I know many farmers across the generations who voted to leave because they are fed up with all the regulation coming out of Europe and the glyphosate issue was the last straw. But I know as many who voted to stay because they believe that the free movement of goods and services is vital for their businesses.’’

Mr Summons, a member of Tiers Cross YFC, believes agriculture could struggle for two or three years post-Brexit but is hopeful that there could be a positive future for the industry thereafter.

“It doesn’t make sense to be importing cheap meat and milk into the country when we can produce it here. If it means higher prices for the consumer it will just be a true reflection of what it costs to produce food.’’

According to NFU president and North Pembrokeshire farmer, Meurig Raymond, turbulent times do lie ahead.

“The next 12 months are going to be pretty intense for the NFU in making sure British farmers are not going to be disadvantaged and we have the access to markets to allow us to grow,’’ he said.

He highlighted the turmoil in the currency market which could have immediate implications for trade.

“This highlights the importance of increasing out ability to produce food because if the pound falls to lower levels, it becomes costlier to import food.’’

The majority of Pembrokeshire voters chose to leave the European Union. A total of 39,155 voted to leave, while the remain camp received 29,367 votes, giving Brexit a majority of 14.28%.

However farmers in Pembrokeshire mark their ballot paper on June 23, most are agreed on one thing: negotiating and concluding trade agreements with the EU and the rest of the world is vital.

NFU Cymru president, Stephen James, who farms near Narberth, said the union would be looking to the UK Government to prioritise the negotiation of favourable trade agreements.

“Whilst doing so I would stress that it is essential that decision makers do not undermine domestic agriculture by opening the UK market to goods which do not meet our own high standards of production,’’ he said.

Uncertainty over areas like trade and the CAP could hit land prices, already under pressure due to record low milk prices in this important milk-producing region.

Mal Evans, of West Wales auctioneers and valuers, JJ Morris, who was travelling in New Zealand when the referendum result was declared, said it is premature to predict what impact the EU result could have on land values.

“There is a great deal of uncertainty but we are already in a difficult period for farming and that is having an impact on land values,’’ he said. “But when land comes up for sale, a neighbouring farmer will always be interested, regardless of the state of the market at that point in time as it is mostly a once in a lifetime opportunity.’’

For Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC), led by Carmarthenshire farmer, Dai Davies, the focus in the long term will be on securing the best trading deals for Wales – maintaining existing export markets in Europe, and developing new trading relationships further afield.

“HCC stands ready to support Welsh farming and the whole supply chain through this period of change,’’ said Mr Davies.