UK Environment Secretary Advocates Clearer Labelling for British Produce
Source: The DairyNews
During the 2024 Oxford Farming Conference, Steve Barclay, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), announced the UK government's plans to support "clearer labelling" for British food produce, including the use of a UK Geographical Indication (GI) logo on packaging. Barclay emphasized the need to address misleading labelling, protect farmers and consumers, and build trust between farmers and the government.
Barclay highlighted the importance of food security in national security and committed to enabling food production while preserving nature. The UK government plans to update prices in environmental land management schemes, with an average 10% uplift to make participation more attractive for farmers.
To build trust, Barclay acknowledged that regulatory bodies should start from a position of trust rather than suspicion. The government aims to pay farmers more for participating in environmental and management schemes, with an automatic uplift for those already in schemes and additional premiums for significant contributions.
The Environment Secretary also addressed the need for clearer labelling to differentiate British products from those produced to lower welfare standards overseas. The UK government will consult on ways to improve labelling, highlight imports that don't meet UK welfare standards, enhance online origin information, and ensure promotional activities align with product standards.
The consultation will explore strengthening country of origin labelling rules, including front-of-pack labelling, to fairly reward farmers meeting high UK welfare standards. The UK GI logo will be used on geographical indication products in Great Britain from the beginning of 2024, protecting food and drink geographical names. UK producers can use this logo on products sold abroad, contributing to product visibility and export potential.
Barclay's announcements signal potential benefits for British farmers, offering transparency to consumers and showcasing commitment to high standards. The government's focus on trust-building and collaboration indicates a broader vision for the agricultural sector's sustainable growth and export potential.
To build trust, Barclay acknowledged that regulatory bodies should start from a position of trust rather than suspicion. The government aims to pay farmers more for participating in environmental and management schemes, with an automatic uplift for those already in schemes and additional premiums for significant contributions.
The Environment Secretary also addressed the need for clearer labelling to differentiate British products from those produced to lower welfare standards overseas. The UK government will consult on ways to improve labelling, highlight imports that don't meet UK welfare standards, enhance online origin information, and ensure promotional activities align with product standards.
The consultation will explore strengthening country of origin labelling rules, including front-of-pack labelling, to fairly reward farmers meeting high UK welfare standards. The UK GI logo will be used on geographical indication products in Great Britain from the beginning of 2024, protecting food and drink geographical names. UK producers can use this logo on products sold abroad, contributing to product visibility and export potential.
Barclay's announcements signal potential benefits for British farmers, offering transparency to consumers and showcasing commitment to high standards. The government's focus on trust-building and collaboration indicates a broader vision for the agricultural sector's sustainable growth and export potential.
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