The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Sheep sector fears effects of trade deals
TIs the government taking industry concerns seriously?
he National Sheep Association (NSA) says the government has provided “little commitment” to a level playing field for farmers in post-Brexit free trade agreements (FTA).
The organisation is adding its support to the environment, food and rural affairs committee’s (EFRA) recommendation to government to formally commit to upholding animal welfare and environmental standards in all trade deals.
EFRA’s report calls on the government to aid the UK farming and food sector in making up an estimated £278m loss as a result of the FTA by allocating extra support for exports.
NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said he was encouraged that the committee had taken on board the evidence supplied by witnesses.
However he added: “There is little commitment from government (that) there will be any provision to create a level playing field for UK producers.
“It is equally disappointing the deal did not include more farreaching provisions on animal welfare, an area that UK producers lead on.
“As seen with the more recent New Zealand FTA, it is difficult to see whether the government is taking industry concerns seriously and whether perhaps we risk exporting our emissions and losing our high welfare standards overseas.”
Government estimates show the Australia FTA – which removes tariffs on a wide range of imports, including sheep meat – will boost the UK economy by £2.3 billion (or 0.08%) by 2035, but that some sectors, including farming, will lose out.