Farmers Union blasted for scaremongering by claiming Britain would run out of food in MONTHS after no-deal Brexit

A FARMERS union has been blasted for scaremongering after they claimed that Britain's food could run out just months after a no-deal Brexit.

The National Farmers Union speculated that we would be facing shortages by this time next year if we didn't get a deal with the EU.

They said that because the amount of what we produce has declined in recent years from 75 per cent to 60 per cent, our shortfall would have to be imported from the EU.

NFU President Minette Batters said the farming sector could be most impacted from a "bad Brexit" and must have a trade deal with the EU in order to thrive. She urged ministers to support the sector to keep to high standards after we leave, and make sure there's enough food to go around.

But fuming Brexiteers have insisted there's absolutely nothing to stop us trading with the EU - even if we didn't get a deal at all.

Tory MP John Redwood told The Sun: "Let's plant some more food then! How could you conceivably run out of food in a year?"

He added: "The Dutch and the French are going to want to have access to our markets - whether there are tariffs or not.

"I want to see us grow more for ourselves too - more food, going fewer miles, and people buying more good local produce."

The Wokingham MP called on ministers to get on with the long-awaited Government strategy to subsidise farmers for their produce after we leave the EU as soon as possible, and ramp up preparations for food for when we leave.

Fellow Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg added: "We will not run out of food. It is inconceivable that any Government would stop food coming in.

"To suggest otherwise is silly".

But he backed calls for British farmers to produce more food to sell to Brits at better prices.

Bernard Jenkin said yesterday there would be "rioting in the streets" if the EU insisted countries couldn't sell us their goods when we leave.

Downing Street has insisted Britain is still on track to secure a trade deal with the EU.

Last month new Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab confirmed The Sun's story that secret plans had been drawn up to stockpile food in case of no deal, but assured that there would be enough food for everyone after we leave.

Michael Gove has vowed to save subsidies for five years after we leave, but after that it's unclear what the new system will be to replace them.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs insisted the Agricultural Bill would come forward to Parliament after the summer, and it would likely be passed into law before we leave next year.

But it won't help with getting farmers ready to produce more food in case there's no deal secured with the EU.

Mr Redwood added: "They must start work on this before we leave - the sooner the better."

A Defra spokeswoman said: "The UK produces the majority of its own food.

"However, it is necessary to import some foods as they cannot be grown in the UK, and to ensure an excellent level of food security."