I have received many emails from constituents concerned about food standards following the recent vote in Parliament on the Agriculture Bill. I would like to make it very clear that my vote for the Agriculture Bill was not a “vote to lower food standards”; this is a complete misrepresentation. This bill is designed to ensure that British farmers receive the payments to which they are entitled and that a framework is set for British agriculture in the coming years, following our withdrawal from the European Union and the Common Agricultural Policy.
Our farmers are an integral part of our national and local economy and this bill will ensure that they are rewarded for their contributions; not only to food production but also the vital work they are doing to enhance our natural environment. The Agriculture Bill will allow farmers and land managers to receive “public money for public goods”. This means that we can reward those who protect our environment, improve animal welfare and produce high quality food in a more sustainable way.
This bill is about agriculture, rather than trade, however, I must stress that the Government have been very clear that they will not compromise on food standards, animal welfare or our high environmental protection in pursuit of any trade deals. I personally had discussions with the farming minister to be absolutely sure that this is the case. All food coming into the country will continue to be required to meet existing import requirements and, at the end of the transition period, all EU standards will be converted into domestic law. This includes a ban on the use of artificial growth hormones in both domestic production and imported products. It also remains the case that no products, other than potable water, are approved in the UK to clean chicken carcasses. The UK’s independent Food Standards Agency will continue to oversee UK food standards, for both domestic production and imports. Any changes to existing legislative standards would require new legislation to be brought before Parliament.
I have seen first-hand the excellent work being done by local farmers to improve our natural environment, as well as produce high quality food. I therefore support this bill that will reward that hard work and encourage further innovation, supporting those in the agriculture sector, and maintaining high food standards for generations to come.