Farmers’ union mobilises action call on post-Brexit food standards

A COALITION of farming, environmental, animal welfare and public health groups have called on the Prime Minister to take action to protect food standards after Brexit.

Around 60 groups, mobilised by the National Farmers’ Union and including the RSPB, National

Trust, RSPCA, Greenpeace and the Royal Society for Public Health, have signed a letter to Boris Johnson as the UK prepares to leave the EU.

The groups say they agree that Brexit “provides an opportunity to foster a sustainable, carbon neutral model of farming in the

UK, building on our reputation for high-quality, safe and affordable food”.

And while they may have differences of opinion on how to achieve that, they are all agreed it will not happen without the right domestic policy, supported by a progressive trade policy. In the letter, the organisations say they are reassured by recent pledges by both the PM and the Environment Secretary on protecting standards in food production.

But they warn: “It is vital that we have more than just verbal assurances to ensure our standards are properly safeguarded.” The letter calls for the Government to enshrine its manifesto commitment not to compromise on high environmental protection, animal welfare and food standards, by putting provisions to safeguard them in the new Agriculture Bill.

A Government spokesman said: “Nothing about Brexit will lower the exceptionally high standards we already hold.

“The Government will stand firm in trade negotiations to ensure any future trade deals live up to the values of farmers and consumers across the UK.”