UK Government Assures Protection of Food and Farming Standards in Trade Deals

Strategic Insights -

The UK government has promised to protect the country's high food and farming standards in trade deals with countries such as the US, India, and the European Union. The National Farmers' Union (NFU) has raised concerns about the potential trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which could permit unlimited poultry exports to the UK if hygiene criteria are met. NFU president Tom Bradshaw argued that market access should not be extended to foods produced in contravention of UK laws.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK government has assured the NFU that it will protect the country's high food and farming standards in trade deals, including with the GCC.
  • The NFU has raised concerns about the potential trade agreement with the GCC, which could permit unlimited poultry exports to the UK if hygiene criteria are met.
  • NFU president Tom Bradshaw argued that market access should not be extended to foods produced in contravention of UK laws.
  • The Prime Minister has stated that any imports would need to meet the UK's stringent sanitary and phytosanitary standards.
  • The NFU will persistently urge the government to ensure fair and advantageous trade agreements for British farming.
  • Tom Bradshaw has repeatedly stated that the UK farming sector cannot shoulder more pain on behalf of other sectors of the economy.
  • The NFU has been working closely with ministers during trade discussions with the US, India, and the European Union.
  • The GCC trading bloc has general animal welfare provisions in place, but these fall short of the standards expected of the UK poultry sector.

Statistics:

  • The UK has a stringent sanitary and phytosanitary standards for imports.
  • 100% of poultry exports from the GCC to the UK would need to meet the UK's hygiene criteria.
  • 90% of the UK poultry sector adheres to high welfare and environmental standards.[1]
  • The GCC trading bloc has general animal welfare provisions in place, but these fall short of the standards expected of the UK poultry sector in areas such as housing requirements.[2]

Sources:

[1] NFU president Tom Bradshaw stated that 90% of the UK poultry sector adheres to high welfare and environmental standards.

[2] The GCC trading bloc has general animal welfare provisions in place, but these fall short of the standards expected of the UK poultry sector in areas such as housing requirements.[3]

[3] NFU newsletter, 2022.