The NFU has submitted its response to the consultation outlining the need for the forthcoming trade strategy to place domestic farmers and growers at its heart and establish principles that create a clear and transparent understanding of the government’s intentions.

NFU members can download the full submission: NFU response to UK trade strategy consultation

6 principles for an agri-food trade strategy

The NFU is urging the government to establish clear principles to shape its trade strategy, creating a shared understanding of government intentions in an increasingly challenging and unpredictable geopolitical context to promote sustainable economic growth and opportunities for the benefit of business and citizens alike.

The NFU believes the following principles should be included in the government’s trade strategy.

1. Consistency of UK trade and agriculture policies

It is essential that domestic agricultural policy and international trade policy are consistent and compatible with each other, complementing efforts to improve UK agriculture’s productivity, driving economic growth and sustainability and recognising the vital role domestic production plays in the nation’s food security and enhancing our environment.

2. An unwavering commitment to the UK’s reputation for high standards

Maintain an unwavering commitment to the safety of the nation’s food supply by retaining regulatory autonomy of our SPS rules and ensuring effective, proportionate border control measures are in place.

Level the playing field for UK farmers by establishing a set of core production standards that would apply to both domestically produced and imported food sold in the UK. Implementing core standards will prevent UK farmers’ animal welfare and sustainability efforts from being undermined and ensure that the UK does not simply offshore food production to countries with less sustainable systems and lower animal welfare standards.

Set an ambition to play a leading role in international agricultural issues at the WTO, G7 and G20, Codex, WOAH and other international standards setting bodies. Ensuring that UK trade policy recognises and upholds international commitments made and rewards compliance with international rules.

3. Prioritise balanced trade deals

Secure balanced and mutually beneficial trade deals by maximising commercially meaningful opportunities whilst protecting the most sensitive and vulnerable sectors by making use of all available trade policy levers including, where appropriate, product exclusions, phased tariff concessions and appropriately sized permanent quotas.

Use the EU reset to pursue a better trading relationship with the EU with the aim of reducing trade costs and friction but be mindful of agreeing a new deal “at all costs”. Securing an ambitious SPS agreement with the EU is one avenue through which the government could help to reduce friction at the border, but not the only one. In the short term, it is vital the government continues to work towards improving trade facilitation and address issues where they exist relating to the implementation of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) and the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).

4. Enhance transparency and trust

Transparently assess the impact of trade liberalisation on all the UK’s agricultural sectors by publishing a thorough economic assessment outlining the economic opportunities and challenges ahead of each Free Trade Agreement negotiation commencing.

Publish an annual assessment to understand FTA and quota utilisation to quantify the cumulative impact of FTAs on trade balance, sourcing, standards, and domestic food production.

Enhance the role of Parliament by strengthening existing scrutiny powers and guaranteeing a Parliamentary debate followed by a yes/no vote by MPs ahead of the ratification of all new international trade treaties.

Engage with trusted stakeholders early and throughout the negotiation and decision-making process.

Ensure all parts of the UK have a voice on trade matters, engaging devolved governments and parliaments, ensuring that impact assessments are carried out in ways to identify regional impacts.

5. Encourage collaboration and maximise our overseas reach

Facilitate a collaborative, strategic approach that brings government and industry together to focus on the opportunities to grow agri-food exports and address barriers to growth.

Strengthen the UK’s network of agri-food and drink attachés in our embassies in key overseas markets, ensuring they have the right support and tools to champion British agri-food, address barriers to trade and maximise the opportunities provided by FTAs and co-operation agreements.

Securing protection for UK GIs in international markets should be a priority for UK negotiators in any trade negotiations.

6. Accountability to deliver the strategy

Appoint a government minister with the exclusive responsibility for championing agri-food trade and competitiveness, working across government and with the devolved administrations to deliver, in partnership with the industry, the government’s Trade and Food Systems Strategies.

NFU members can download the full submission: NFU response to UK trade strategy consultation

The window for providing feedback has now closed. 

The NFU is seeking feedback from members to help  inform our response. Your feedback will help us to reflect what is important to you in the NFU's response.

Please respond by 31 December to help shape our response.