UK Dairy Farmers Urge Government to Prioritise Industry in US Trade Talks
Source: dairynews.today
British dairy industry leaders urge against compromising domestic farming for US trade deals, citing risks to food security and production standards.
British dairy farmers have issued a stark warning to the Prime Minister, cautioning against potential compromises in trade negotiations with the United States. Concerns are mounting that an increase in US access to the UK market could destabilise the domestic dairy sector, already facing significant strain. In a letter to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, the National Farmers' Union (NFU) and Dairy UK highlighted the potential risks of opening Britain’s food and drink sector to cheaper American imports.
These include weakened food security, undermined production standards, and threats to the profitability of thousands of UK farms. This warning coincides with the upcoming state visit of US President Donald Trump to Britain and the release of an NFU report outlining differences between UK and US dairy production standards. "British dairy is a huge success story, and our ambition to grow the value of our sector is strong," stated NFU Dairy Board Chair Paul Tompkins. He emphasized the industry's commitment to animal welfare, traceability, and environmental care, which contribute to public trust and confidence. Tompkins warned that US dairy operates on a much larger scale with fewer regulations, which could place UK farmers at a competitive disadvantage.
"It is vital that the UK maintains its existing tariff protections when it comes to critical agricultural sectors," he added, concerned about the consequences of introducing lower-standard imports. Dairy UK’s Chief Executive, Dr. Judith Bryans, echoed these sentiments, urging for trade agreements that ensure fair competition and sustain the UK's high production standards. "British dairy farmers and processors deliver world-class, nutritious products every day. This success cannot be put at risk by rushed or unbalanced trade deals," she stated. The dairy sector contributes £5.7 billion annually to the UK economy and supports over 10,000 active farms alongside approximately 70,000 associated jobs.
These include weakened food security, undermined production standards, and threats to the profitability of thousands of UK farms. This warning coincides with the upcoming state visit of US President Donald Trump to Britain and the release of an NFU report outlining differences between UK and US dairy production standards. "British dairy is a huge success story, and our ambition to grow the value of our sector is strong," stated NFU Dairy Board Chair Paul Tompkins. He emphasized the industry's commitment to animal welfare, traceability, and environmental care, which contribute to public trust and confidence. Tompkins warned that US dairy operates on a much larger scale with fewer regulations, which could place UK farmers at a competitive disadvantage.
"It is vital that the UK maintains its existing tariff protections when it comes to critical agricultural sectors," he added, concerned about the consequences of introducing lower-standard imports. Dairy UK’s Chief Executive, Dr. Judith Bryans, echoed these sentiments, urging for trade agreements that ensure fair competition and sustain the UK's high production standards. "British dairy farmers and processors deliver world-class, nutritious products every day. This success cannot be put at risk by rushed or unbalanced trade deals," she stated. The dairy sector contributes £5.7 billion annually to the UK economy and supports over 10,000 active farms alongside approximately 70,000 associated jobs.
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