The agreement in principle of a trade deal with New Zealand has shown a willingness by the UK Government to undermine UK farming and food security in return for negligible benefits to the economy.
The UK Government’s own figures show that the deal will generate just £112 million in additional exports for UK firms compared to pre-pandemic levels.
The deal will allow New Zealand to increase their exports of food to the UK, representing a major threat to Welsh and GB farmers as well to UK food security.
In the first year, the deal would allow a 30% increase in the amount of New Zealand lamb that can be imported to the UK duty free (i.e. without tariffs), with this figure rising to 44% after five years, followed by further increases and ultimately the removal of all limits after 15 years.
It would be a similar process for beef, whereas the trading of butter and cheese would become fully liberalised from year six onwards.
This deal, coupled with the Australian trade deal announced in June, leaves little doubt that the UK Government is intentionally or carelessly undermining UK agriculture, food production and food security.
The removal of farm support and increase in red tape and regulations for UK farmers at the same time trade deals are being struck with countries with far lower regulatory standards adds to this impression.
The FUW will continue to alert Members of Parliament and Members of the House of Lords of the dangers the New Zealand and other trade deals pose, urging them to act in their constituents’ and the nations’ interests when it comes to decisions in Parliament.