Brazilian poultry and beef ban – NFU lobbying timeline
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.
NFU engages with the Trade Remedies Authority
The Trade Remedies Authority is the body responsible for protecting UK producers from unfair trading practices.
The NFU has been engaging with them to understand how they may be able to help our members facing an increase in Brazilian poultry and beef imports.
NFU calls on UK retailers to reaffirm their commitments on British sourcing
The NFU’s Food Business Team contacted the UK’s leading retailers, seeking reassurance that their commitment to sourcing British fresh beef and poultry remained unchanged.
All major retailers have reaffirmed their commitment to sourcing British fresh beef and poultry for their fresh ranges.
EU ban on the import of Brazilian products of animal origin comes into force
The ban will also apply directly in Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework, as well as in the countries that are already aligned with the EU’s SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) regime including Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
PM pressed on Brazilian meat issue in parliament
Following a meeting with NFU Deputy President Paul Tompkins and NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt, Efra Committee Chair Alastair Carmichael MP asked the Prime Minister whether he would mirror the EU and ban Brazilian imports.
The PM responded by saying all options remain on the table.
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.
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.
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.
NFU Cymru briefs Welsh MPs
NFU Cymru briefs a number of Welsh MPs, including members of the Welsh Affairs Committee.
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.
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.
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.
NFU meets with Defra
The NFU International Trade Team meets with Defra officials to discuss the ban the day after the EU announcement.
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.
