Don’t negotiate away high food standards, government warned
While the recommencement of talks on drawing up a UK/US trade deal which started again yesterday – having been put on hold due to the corona virus pandemic – were broadly welcomed, farming organisationswarned once again that the UK’S high food standards should not be compromised or “negotiated away”.
Viewing the discussions as opening a possible route for the sale of more high value cuts of lamb, the National Sheep Association (NSA) said that while a deal with the US would not replace the need to retain access to the EU market, it would offer “complementary” opportunities for the sector.
“The US sheepmeat market is highly underdeveloped with very low lamb consumption across the country,” said the association’s chief executive, Phil Stocker.
“I am convinced that our genetics and British lamb and mutton – very different products to those produced by most US sheep farmers – could help stimulate real interest amongst American consumers and in turn help US sheep farmers see some growth.”
While re-iterating the need for UK’S production and welfare standards to be upheld he said he welcomed statements from Ministers and Government officials that in terms of reciprocal trade UK standards would be protected:
“And while as a general statement the government is enthusiastic about free and open trade it does recognise that agriculture and food, like the NHS, is an industry that requires a level of protection and I do expect the commitments not to undermine our unique approach to farming, food, and the environment to be upheld.”