NFU President Meurig Raymond is leading the UK delegation to Washington to meet with, among others, the EU ambassador to the US, the American Farm Bureau Federation President, US trade representatives and representatives of the US Congress.
 
“It is essential that the NFU takes part in discussions that could potentially open up new markets for our farmers in this country, including re-introducing the opportunity for our livestock farmers to sell into the sizeable US market and expanding opportunities for growing our dairy product exports further,” said Mr Raymond.
 
UK beef and lamb exports to the States have been banned since the 1990s. Raymond said, “Efforts are underway to resume exports, but progress, especially on lamb has been slow. I will meet senior officials to press for progress and promote the quality of our excellent products.
 
“At the same time, this visit is a chance for us to highlight the world-class welfare standards that set us apart from the rest of the world and that must be recognised in future trade deals.”

Mentioning key areas of controversy that have flared up in the ongoing TTIP trade negotiations, the NFU president said, “This visit will also give us the chance to learn more about the US’s approach to regulation, and how it differs to the EU. I am particularly keen to find out more about the US’s approach to adopting and taking advantage of emerging biotechnology; and the country’s differing approach to plant protection products.”
 
The transatlantic trade talks have proven acutely controversial in both Europe and the United States, with European campaigners criticising the lack of transparency in the negotiation stage and warning that possible outcomes of the agreement include an increase in corporate power, erosion of workers’ and citizens’ rights and weakening of environmental regulations.

Last year, campaigners at the Corporate Europe Observatory, a pro-transparency project that monitors corporate lobbying, warned that large agribusinesses are using TTIP negotiations as a “Weapon” to attack food and farming regulations under the guise of ‘harmonising regulation’ to facilitate trade.