Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Free Trade Agreements: Farmers

Thursday 3 November 2022 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister engaged extensively with the agricultural sector over many years.
  • FTAs include safeguards that phase in product-specific protections for UK agriculture.
  • Welsh lamb market in the US is estimated at 37 million in the first five years.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem North East Fife
Business & Trade Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Yesterday was Back British Farming Day, highlighting the importance of protecting British farming standards.

Question

I met Quality Meat Scotland and there are real concerns that UK agricultural sector could be at a disadvantage due to environmental and welfare standards. Will the Minister underline what process is for engagement between agriculture and DIT?

Answer from Greg Hands

Over many years, I have engaged extensively with the agricultural sector. There are safeguards in FTAs that phase in product-specific protections for UK agriculture and nothing forces the UK to weaken its standards. The independent Trade and Agriculture Commission concluded that the UK can prohibit imports if it has a common interest or practices result in unfair advantage.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific process of engagement with DIT was not detailed

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Q2 Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem North East Fife
Business & Trade Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Yesterday was Back British Farming Day, highlighting the importance of protecting British farming standards.

Question

Although we may not have final say on trade deals in this Parliament, there are real concerns that UK agricultural sector could be at a disadvantage due to environmental and welfare standards. Will the Minister underline what process is for engagement between agriculture and DIT?

Answer from Greg Hands

Over many years, I have engaged extensively with the agricultural sector. There are safeguards in FTAs that phase in product-specific protections for UK agriculture and nothing forces the UK to weaken its standards. The independent Trade and Agriculture Commission concluded that the UK can prohibit imports if it has a common interest or practices result in unfair advantage.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific process of engagement with DIT was not detailed

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Q3 Alun Cairns Con
Business & Trade Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Vale of Glamorgan farmers rear some of the best lamb globally, with new market opportunities now available in the United States.

Question

What practical support can the Department provide to Vale of Glamorgan farmers to exploit this opportunity and ensure the best Welsh lamb reaches the US market?

Answer from Greg Hands

Welsh lamb is going to the US for the first time in over 20 years, now that the small ruminant rule has been removed. The market is estimated at £37 million in the first five years. We continue engaging with the US Administration to ensure good access to markets.

Answered
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