Food imports must meet the same production standards that we ask of our own British farmers and growers.
The NFU and WWF wrote to the three main political parties prior to the 2024 general election, calling for action to safeguard British farmers and growers from food imports that would be illegal to produce here.
Less than a month into office, the government committed to deliver ‘a new deal for farmers to boost Britain’s food security and drive rural economic growth’ and pledged to ‘protect farmers from being undercut by low welfare and low standards in trade deals’.
Our reception on 18 March will see broad coalition of farmers, growers and animal welfare charities come together to press upon MPs and ministers that British food standards should not be undermined.
Why are we asking for core standards on agri-food imports?
The UK has some of the highest agri-food standards in the world, supporting a high animal welfare and sustainable food system which British farmers and growers adhere to.
Our message builds on the support of more than one million people who signed our petition to protect domestic production standards in 2020.
Both consumers and farmers are concerned that the high standards we adhere to are being undermined by goods imported from countries that do not meet those same core standards.
Introducing a set of statutory core production standards would ensure these are met by both domestically produced and imported food sold in the UK.
In short, if the goods fail to meet minimum standards for animal welfare and the environment that are equivalent to those met by domestic producers, they should not be given access to the UK market.
Why not remind your MP about the invitation and ask them to attend the breakfast reception and learn why:
- The introduction of a system of core standards on agri-food imports entering the UK is vital.
- There are increasing pressures on our food system.
- How UK trade policy can build a resilient food system providing greater food security.
Remind your MP to join NFU President Tom Bradshaw along with representatives from WWF and RSPCA to make the case for securing core standards for agri-food imports.
