Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Trade Deals: Farmers and Food Producers

Thursday 3 March 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Questions on Trade Deals: Farmers and Food Producers were held on 2022-03-03
  • Kevin Hollinrake asked about environmental regulations affecting farmers' costs and the use of certain pesticides
  • Hollinrake inquired about delays in granting protected status for UK products in Japan as promised

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kevin Hollinrake Con Thirsk and Malton
Business & Trade Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Farmers are concerned about environmental regulations increasing costs and limiting the use of certain pesticides compared to other countries.

Question

Environmental regulations cost our farmers money by forcing them to find alternatives or face lower yields. Farmers cannot use chemicals like Paraquat in Australia or neonicotinoids in parts of Europe, leading to higher costs. Will these issues be addressed in trade deals for a fair and level playing field?

Answer from Penny Mordaunt

We can drive international standards, improve animal welfare, and encourage others not to use certain pesticides. We understand the additional costs of high-quality produce for our farmers and are talking to agriculture commissioners and Ministers worldwide about these matters.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address whether regulatory disparities will be directly addressed in trade deals.

How: There Are Many Things We Can Do Outside Free Trade Agreements.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Kevin Hollinrake Con Thirsk and Malton
Business & Trade
Context

In October 2020, the Department for International Trade promised up to 77 British food and drink products would gain protected status in Japan within five months. However, fewer than half of these UK products have reached the consultation stage despite delays.

Question

Despite promises made in 2020 that certain UK products would receive protected status in Japan, only a fraction of those promised have progressed to the consultation stage after significant delays. Can you confirm this and explain why?

Answer from Penny Mordaunt

Our analysis shows that the deal will increase trade and improve workers' wages. We require other nations to put legislation through their Parliaments, but we are working towards these processes improving our economy.

Not addressed: Did not confirm if fewer than half of UK products reached consultation stage for protected status in Japan.

How: I Would Be Happy To Update The Hon. Gentleman With The Specifics, But...

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)