The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has called for more help to protect UK farmers following a new trade deal with Australia.
Details have emerged that some tariff-free protection periods will expire in five years rather than the 15 years promised. The UK Government said the reduction in tariffs would save UK households up to £34 million a year – about £1.20 per household.
Australia’s trade ministry said tariffs for Australian farming imports into the UK would stop in five years, for dairy products. Beef and lamb tariffs will stop after 10 years and sugar after eight years.
The NFU raised concerns about a lack of detail on animal welfare and environmental safeguards from imported meat.
Minette Batters, NFU president said there has always been a question mark over how free trade agreements with other countries producing food to different standards can uphold the UK’s high standards of food production.
“We will need to know more about any provisions on animal welfare and the environment to ensure our high standards of production are not undermined by the terms of this deal,” she added.
The agreement in principle will be released in a couple of days. MPs will be able to scrutinise the agreement once it is completed.
LSL News.