Sir,
Your editorial ‘In a Flap’ makes many of the broad and inaccurate generalisations that have plagued the debate around how to safeguard our high food production standards in future trade deals, particularly one with the USA.
We’re clear that imports of food using a process that masks the impact of a system that provides less space, less light and poorer hygiene for their chickens is simply unacceptable and would be illegal in the UK.
“Global Britain” is an admirable aspiration. But it does not have to go hand-in-hand with a race to the bottom. Britain is already a global leader in sustainable, high welfare and climate-friendly farming. Making sure our trade deals champion these high standards and require the same from any food entering our shores would be a good start.
Minette Batters
NFU President