Brazilian poultry and beef ban – NFU lobbying timeline

Brazilian flag and cargo ship composite

Photographs: Getty Images – Joao Bento da Silva / StockStudio/Alamy Stock Photo

Keep up to date with our timeline as we lobby government to ban Brazilian products of animal origin imports, including beef and poultry, to protect the domestic market, the health of the UK public and consumer confidence.

Follow the NFU’s engagement with government as we call for a ban on Brazilian products of animal origin imports.

Hear how the NFU has raised this issue at all levels of government, from MPs to the Defra Secretary, and amplified its asks by joining forces with the farming unions.

26 August 2026

Four farming unions send letter to Defra Secretary

NFU President Tom Bradshaw joins with the presidents of NFU Cymru, NFU Scotland, and the Ulster Farmers Union to write to Secretary of State Dame Angela Eagle.

The letter stresses the damage that Brazilian imports could do to the British poultry and beef sectors and urges the government to impose a ban.

24 August 2026

NFU briefs MPs

The NFU briefs MPs and peers ahead of Parliament’s return from recess and asks them to support the NFU’s calls for a ban. 

20 August 2026

NFU Cymru raises concerns with Wales Office Minister

NFU Cymru President Abi Reader and NFU Cymru Deputy President Paul Williams raise members’ concerns with Wales Office Minister Anna McMorrin. 

August 2026

NFU Cymru briefs Welsh MPs

NFU Cymru briefs a number of Welsh MPs, including members of the Welsh Affairs Committee.

5 August 2026
NFU calls for ban

NFU calls for ban

NFU calls for the government to mirror the EU ban. The story is picked up by a number of media outlets, including The Times and Daily Express.

28 July 2026
NFU President discusses concerns with Defra Secretary

NFU President discusses concerns with Defra Secretary

NFU President Tom Bradshaw raises the NFU’s significant concerns about the potential impact on our domestic sectors in a meeting with newly appointed Defra Secretary of State Dame Angela Eagle.

May – July

NFU staff engage with officials

NFU staff frequently meet with officials throughout government to better understand the UK Government’s position and emphasise the potential impact of the EU ban on members’ businesses.

13 May 2026

NFU meets with Defra

The NFU International Trade Team meets with Defra officials to discuss the ban the day after the EU announcement.

12 May 2026

EU announces ban

The EU announces it will be removing Brazil from the list of countries authorised to export products of animal origin due to concerns regarding the misuse of antimicrobials in Brazilian production systems.

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This page was first published on 28 August 2026.


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