British farmers fear a new U.S.-UK trade deal could undermine decades of high food standards. They warn that importing cheaper, factory-farmed U.S. meat could undo their hard-won progress.

London

British farmers have raised concerns that a new trade deal between the United Kingdom and the United States may compromise longstanding food standards. They are worried that allowing imports of less expensive, factory-farmed American meat could reverse progress made in the quality and welfare standards of British agriculture. 

The UK has banned the import of hormone-produced beef for more than three decades, and the government has stated that safeguards will remain in place to prevent such produce from entering the market. Despite these assurances, farmers believe the agreement could still lead to hormone-produced beef returning to UK food stocks. 

US officials have spoken positively about the deal, emphasising the benefits of regulatory alignment for the agricultural sectors of both countries. However, British farmers argue that the introduction of cheaper American meat could increase competition and put further pressure on an industry that is already facing significant challenges. 

Many farmers feel that UK food production is not being prioritised in the negotiations, and they await further details of the agreement with apprehension. They have expressed concern that increased imports of factory-farmed products could undermine their achievements in animal welfare and product quality.



UK farmers fear U.S. trade deal threatens food standards

It is the pride of British agriculture. Native herds reared to high standards on grassy fields, creating high-quality food that has taken British farmers decades to achieve. But they fear that may now be tested after the announcement of a UK-US trade deal. This is now turning out, I think, really to be a great deal for both countries. It was billed as a historic breakthrough. And during a visit by the US Agriculture Secretary, there were hints but few details on what it means for British food producers. The more our two countries and those who are aligned with our values are regulatorily aligned, meaning that we don't have all these different systems and structures, I think that that is going to go a tremendously long way to supporting the ag industry in both the US and the UK. But for farmers, they fear this deal comes with a catch, namely banned produce reappearing in the UK. The UK banned the import of hormone-produced beef more than 35 years ago. And the British government has said that checks will be in place to stop that produce from entering into the British market. However, farmers say that this deal will most likely allow that hormone-produced beef to seep back into UK food stocks. Most of American livestock is factory farmed. It is cheaper, more productive, but the animal conditions reduce its quality. Bringing that into the UK, say British farmers, may undo what they've accomplished. I feel like they are not prioritising food production at all in the UK. The farmers at the moment are feeling the pressure. There's not many sectors that are doing that well. The arable side that we have as well is really under pressure, not doing well. And then the beef side is doing well, and suddenly there's a deal where it feels like it's another nail in the coffin for British agriculture. More competition in a sector that has already faced challenges is what concerns farmers, as they await the small print of a trade deal they fear could put them at a disadvantage. Sonia Gallego, Al Jazeera, London.

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