The Farmers’ Union of Wales has responded to the trade deal between UK and US, warning that safeguards must continue to be in place to protect Welsh farmers from being undermined by imports produced to lower food production standards.

As part of the agreement, the US has gained broader access to the UK agricultural market, including a tariff-free quota for 13,000 tonnes of US beef and a tariff-free quota for ethanol.

The US anticipates a $5 billion increase in agricultural exports to the UK.

The UK Government has however stated that there will be no lowering of domestic food standards as part of the deal, and imports of hormone-treated beef and chlorinated chicken will remain illegal.

The deal also provides reciprocal Beef Access for UK farmers - including a tariff-free quota of 13,000 metric tonnes for UK beef exports to the US, providing a potential new market for British farmers.

As transatlantic negotiations have continued over recent weeks, the FUW has intensely lobbied the UK Government to ensure Welsh agricultural interests are not sold down the river in pursuit of any short-term trade, particularly in competing with sub-standard imports from across the Atlantic.

Whilst the agreement enshrines imported food and agricultural goods must comply with the importing country's sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards, the FUW has highlighted the divergence between food safety standards, and food production standards. Food produced to different standards could undermine Welsh farmers, as has already been the case in previous trade deals.

Commenting, FUW President,Ian Rickman said:

“The Farmers’ Union of Wales has repeatedly stressed over recent weeks that Welsh agriculture must not become collateral damage in the UK Government's pursuit of short-term trade concessions with the US, by forcing farmers into an unfair competition with cheaper, sub-standard US imports.

We therefore recognise the UK Government's assurance that this agreement will not compromise food, environmental or animal welfare standards.

While reciprocal beef access presents distinct opportunities for farmers, an influx of US beef imports could however disrupt our domestic market and undermine Welsh farmers already grappling with unprecedented uncertainty

Comprehensive and unambiguous country-of-origin labelling is therefore vital to ensure the UK public can make fully informed purchasing decisions. Furthermore, meticulous scrutiny and policing of imports must be non-negotiable. Any deviation in standards would constitute a betrayal of Welsh farmers, our food sector, as well as potentially undermining any future trading relationship with the EU.

Over recent years, Welsh farmers have too often borne the brunt of trade deals forged with countries that prioritise different food production standards. These have undermined UK food production, whilst delivering little return in regard to new markets or tangible opportunities.

As the dust settles over the coming weeks, we will continue to keep a close eye on developments.”