The President of the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW), Glyn Roberts, will represent the interests of Wales’ farmers in the new UK Government Trade and Agriculture Commission alongside 15 other industry members.
The commission has been set up to advise the UK Government on negotiating future trade deals which do not compromise on our world-leading animal health and welfare, plant health and environmental protection standards. Protecting domestic producers against sub- standard imports, as well as identifying new export opportunities for UK produce, is a long-standing FUW position.
Although the FUW welcomes an additional opportunity to lobby UK Government, it should be noted that the Commission will be required to produce an advisory paper to be presented to Parliament at the end of the six month fixed term. The timelines involved in current trade deals may mean that some agreements may have been reached prior to the provision of the advisory paper. In addition, there is currently no guarantee that the UK Government will act on the recommendations put forward by the Commission.
Nevertheless, the FUW welcomes the opportunity to fully contribute to the advisory paper and will work to ensure that the UK’s world-leading agricultural and food standards are maintained and that the interests of family farms and businesses in Wales are protected.