“UK trade deal with Australia must not disadvantage Welsh farmers” say Welsh Government Ministers

Any UK trade deal with Australia must not disadvantage Welsh farmers, Wales’ Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething and Rural Affairs Minister, Lesley Griffiths have said today.

A report in the Financial Times today claims UK Government Ministers are negotiating zero tariff market access for agricultural products in the UK-Australia free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations, which would harm the Welsh agriculture and food producing sectors.

A thriving and sustainable agricultural sector is key to many Welsh rural communities. Although food production remains the cornerstone of the agricultural sector, responding to the climate emergency and enhancing on-farm biodiversity are key priorities for the Welsh Government, and Wales’ producers and their high standards are key to achieving this.

Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething said: “Farmers and food producers play a crucial role in our society, economy and environment.  We have been very clear with the UK Government that any new trade deals must not cause an un-level playing field, by giving food importers with lower standards an economic advantage in our market compared to our own producers.”

Rural Affairs Minister, Lesley Griffiths said: “We are extremely proud of the high food safety standards we have here in Wales, including standards around animal health and welfare, traceability, environment and food safety. No trade agreement should ever undermine that or our domestic legislation and the Welsh Government has consistently made this point to the UK Government.”

Sue Davies, Head of Consumer Rights and Food Policy at consumer organisation Which?, said: “The Australia trade deal offers opportunities for UK trade post-Brexit – provided that the government listens carefully to the issues consumers feel strongly about.

“Our research shows that consumers want trade deals that prioritise high food, product, data protection and environmental standards and deliver for consumers in all parts of the UK. People also want to ensure that domestic producers do not lose out to unfair competition from abroad.

“The success of future agreements will be judged on what they deliver for ordinary people in their everyday lives, not just the export opportunities they provide.”