SOUTH West landowners are calling on the UK’s Farming Minister to spell out what he thinks leaving the EU would mean would mean for the region’s farming and rural economy.

In the wake of David Cameron’s referendum announcement, George Eustice, who is MP for Camborne and Redruth, has declared his support for the UK to leave the EU.

The CLA in the South West, which represents farmers, landowners and other rural businesses, has challenged him to explain what he thinks Brexit will mean for the South West’s rural businesses – including farmers and landowners.

CLA South West Director, John Mortimer, said: “We respect the Farming Minister’s decision to support the campaign for the UK to leave the EU.

“But as the person who has been responsible for farming policy since 2013, he is uniquely placed to spell out how he believes UK farmers can trade with EU and the rest of the world outside the common agricultural policy.

“Ten days ago the Minister told a farming conference that the onus would be on the Brexit campaign to set out a vision for agriculture in the event of the UK deciding to leave the EU. Now he has declared his position, the onus is pretty squarely on him to do so.”

Mr Mortimer said that the CLA will not tell its members how to vote, but that it has made a commitment to ensure rural issues are not forgotten.