British farmers call on UK agriculture minister to clarify Australia trade deal impact
British dairy farmers are calling for UK agriculture minister George Eustice to provide greater clarity over the new Australia trade deal.
British dairy farmers have called on Boris Johnson to provide greater clarity over the UK-Australia free trade deal signed last week.
The British Prime Minister met with Australian PM Scott Morrison to sign off on the in-principle agreement to bolster two-way trade.
Mr Johnson said the deal would allow British cheese greater access to Australian supermarkets but the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers have expressed concern over the lack of detail from Downing Street.
RABDF chairman Peter Alvis said: “Despite repeated calls by the industry and collaboration of 18 industry bodies working together, we have yet to receive any detail on this agreement.
“Specifically, there is no recognition of animal welfare and environmental standards, net-zero and biodiversity, which is concerning.
“These are all points the government puts increasing pressure on our farmers to meet by imposing high standards, yet there are no details laid out on what standards milk and meat products entering from Australia will have been produced to.”
Mr Alvis said the British Agriculture Minister George Eustice needed to ensure the final stages of the negotiations meet the needs of UK farmers.
“There is also no information on the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, and this is something that needs addressing going forward,” he said.
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