The DUP Agriculture spokesperson has written to DEFRA Secretary Dame Angela Eagle urging the Government to act decisively in the wake of the EU’s decision to suspend imports of Brazilian beef.
In her letter, Ms Lockhart warns that failure to act now could lead to the UK becoming a dumping ground for products that don’t meet the required standards.
The European Commission’s decision to remove Brazil from the list of countries permitted to export beef products to the EU, has been driven by concerns relating to antimicrobial compliance, livestock production methods and traceability. The restrictions will come into force on 3rd September 2026.
Carla Lockhart MP said: "UK farmers work tirelessly to produce world-class food, while complying with some of the highest animal welfare, food safety and traceability standards anywhere in the world.
“It is reasonable and fair to expect that imported food meets those same standards. The rules should apply to beef and other produce, such as poultry and eggs.”
The MP is pressing the UK Government to take immediate action.
Carla Lockhart MP said: "The EU has taken decisive action and I am pressing the UK Government to do the same. Dame Angela Eagle and her department must act quickly to demonstrate that the UK is equally committed to supporting domestic agriculture and protecting consumers.
“The last thing our farming industry needs is the prospect of products, which can no longer enter the European market, being redirected and sold in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. That would place UK producers at a serious competitive disadvantage and risk undermining confidence in the integrity of our highly-valued food supply chain.”
Ms Lockhart is encouraging consumers in Northern Ireland to back the local agri-food sector.
“I would urge shoppers, where possible, to buy local produce. Northern Ireland farmers produce some of the highest-quality meat, dairy products and vegetables in the world. By choosing local, consumers are supporting farming families, protecting the economy and rural jobs, and investing in the future or our agri-food industry.
“Consumers can have complete confidence in the quality, safety and traceability of locally produced food. Now more than ever, we should be proud to back our own local farmers and growers.”
Carla Lockhart MP is seeking urgent clarification on the Government’s intentions regarding imported beef and other foodstuffs.
She said "Our livestock sector has invested heavily in maintaining high production standards. Farmers should never be undermined or undercut by cheaper imports produced using practices prohibited in the UK, for example, the use of growth-promoting hormones.
“This is not about protectionism; it is about fairness, maintaining consumer confidence and ensuring there is a level playing field for British beef producers.
“Opening the flood gates to large volumes of unregulated Brazilian beef would have deeply damaging consequences, and will inevitably drive farmgate prices down,” added the MP.
“The Government must act now, before the damage is done. I will continue working alongside the UFU and Westminster colleagues to ensure Northern Ireland’s farming industry is protected, and that the high standards expected by consumers are upheld.”
Ms Lockhart concluded by urging the Government to provide certainty to farmers and processors.
“We need clarity! Foreign food imports which fail to meet UK standards must be denied access to our domestic markets,” she added.