The NFU has been closely engaged with ministers throughout the negotiations of the recent US and India trade deals, as well as the EU reset.
However, Tom wrote to Sir Keir Starmer after reports suggested the trade deal under negotiation with the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) could grant member countries uncapped poultry export access to the UK, provided hygiene standards are met.
“Greater market access should not be given for food imports which have been produced in ways that are illegal here.”
NFU President Tom Bradshaw
In his letter, Tom made it clear that the GCC deal is a key test of the government’s promises. He wrote: “Hygiene standards are distinct from welfare standards. The GCC trading bloc has general animal welfare provisions in place, but these fall well short of the standards expected of the UK poultry sector in areas such as housing requirements.
“British poultry farmers are proud to produce to some of the highest welfare and environmental standards in the world. It is unreasonable for the agricultural sector to be continually expected to make sacrifices on behalf of other sectors of the economy – the burden must be shared.”
Protecting sensitive sectors
In a personal reply, Sir Keir wrote to Tom: “I can assure you that we will always consider whether overseas produce has an unfair advantage and the impact this may have. Where necessary, we will be prepared to use the full range of powers at our disposal to protect our most sensitive sectors.
“Any agricultural imports coming into the UK will always have to meet our high sanitary and phytosanitary standards. Nothing we agree with the GCC, or any other trade partner, will alter this.”
Responding to the commitment from the Prime Minister, Tom said: “The NFU will always fight to make sure the government only signs balanced and mutually beneficial trade deals. Following the inclusion of ethanol within the US trade deal, I sought personal assurances from the Prime Minister about the GCC deal, and he’s given them.
“I have been clear that the UK farming sector can shoulder no more pain on behalf of other sectors of the economy. While Sir Keir’s response is positive, as in every trade deal, the details agreed will be important.
“Greater market access should not be given for food imports which have been produced in ways that are illegal here. The cumulative impact of all trade deals needs to be a critical consideration.”
More from NFUonline:
UK trade negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council
