‘UK trade deal with Australia must not disadvantage Welsh farmers’, say ministers

Any UK trade deal with Australia must not disadvantage Welsh farmers, ministers 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 negotiations.

It’s been claimed this would harm the Welsh agriculture and food producing sectors, which are key to rural communities.

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.”