British Farmers Beware Australian Trade Deal

British Farming has come a long way forward since our Brexit from the EU  We need to maintain that progress.  We must err on the side of caution. Although we want a trade deal with Australia and free trade for most, British farm produce has to have preferential consideration and needs to be protected in the Australian trade deal.
 
Of course, we as a nation want to trade with the world.  However, the British people have spoken time and again that they want to protect our markets in the British agricultural section.
 
There is much Australia produces that we do not.  Grain, beef and lamb must not swamp our domestic markets and sink our farm-gate prices once again.  We must absolutely secure a future for British farming.  To protect our British farms we must include low tariffs and quotas on such produce.
 
We have produced the best and most sustainable food in the world.  We need not ruin the environment with unnecessary air miles, swapping beef, lamb and grain just to flatten British farm-gate prices, otherwise, what is the point of net zero targets for British agriculture in the UK?  We do not want British farmers pressurised to GM (genetically modified) or feed-lot farming, because we love the way we currently farm.
 
The British public want to buy affordable, superior standard British produced food.  The majority of the British public want to see connection, growth and future prosperity for this fantastic and upmost essential British industry.
 
The Australian High Commissioner has stated to UK Members of Parliament that there is “no possibility” of Australian beef and lamb flooding the UK market. Therefore, the NFU should reinforce their call for Government to stand up for farmers by upholding high food standards on imported products, in addition to low tariffs and quotas this should therefore, not be an issue.
 
The CLA (Countryside Landowners Association) has also warned the government of their stance on standards, low tariff and quota.  They have made it very clear that to undercut our British farmers on quantity, standards and price would be completely unacceptable.
 
Nineteen lobbying groups who support farmers in the UK, are behind these trade agreement principles.   These exact principles were written into the ADF policy long before this situation arose and it is fantastic to see viewpoints entirely in line from the ADF Party with the UK farming bodies.
 
Lucinda Bird
ADF Party Farming Champion