Chestnutt named as member of new Commission

The Union’s outgoing president Ivor Ferguson has welcomed this development.

He said: “The Government’s recent announcement of the establishment of this Commission recognises the importance of addressing the challenges of protecting our world leading environmental, animal welfare and food production standards. 

“It is a vital development amid post Brexit trade negotiations and has been well received by our members.

“Our UFU deputy president Victor Chestnutt has been officially appointed as a member of the Commission, giving the UFU direct involvement in this Commission to ensure that the dedication of Northern Ireland’s farmers, who take pride in upholding the UK’s high-production standards and producing quality food for the nation, is not undermined in future trade deals.

“With a full membership now in place, the next step for the Commission is to provide clear and detailed recommendations for Government so that the UK can meet the aspirations of our public and farmers, to achieve an outward looking Britain that effectively champions the high-quality food our farmers produce.

“As trade negotiations continue, the UFU will remain committed to analysing the progress with all countries in great detail as well as proceeding with the Commission’s work so that our future trade deals benefit UK farmers and consumers, and allow the Northern Ireland agriculture industry to flourish. The support of Parliament is a vital aspect of achieving this.”

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the new Commission will represent farmers, retailers and consumers in advising the government in London on trade policies to adopt to secure opportunities for UK farmers.

Retailers, farming unions, consumer, hospitality and environmental bodies from across the UK have been named as members of the new body.

It will be chaired by food safety expert Tim Smith, a former Chief Executive of the Food Standards Agency and Tesco Group Technical Director.

The English, Scottish and Welsh branches of the National Farmers Union (NFU) are all represented on the Commission, as are the Ulster Farmers Union and the Farmers’ Union of Wales. Other members include the British Retail Consortium, UK Hospitality, and the Food and Drink Federation. It will report directly to International Trade Secretary Liz Truss.

DEFRA Secretary George Eustice commented: “We have been consistently clear that we will not compromise on our high environmental protection, animal welfare and food standards in all of our trade negotiations.

“The Agriculture and Trade Commission will ensure that the UK’s agricultural industry, our support for farmers and our commitment to high welfare standards are maintained. This Government will work hard to ensure any future trade deals are in their best interests and will prioritise both food production and our world-leading environmental targets.”

Meanwhile, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) has written to International Trade Secretary Liz Truss to raise serious concerns over the balance of expertise on the new Trade and Agriculture Commission, pointing to the fact that only one member of the 16-strong group is a veterinary surgeon.

In a letter to the Trade Secretary, BVA President Daniella Dos Santos points to the fact that “veterinary surgeons have the unique role, responsibility and training to advocate for animal health and welfare.”

She notes that the RSPCA has also questioned whether the Commission has the necessary expertise in these matters to deliver on the government’s pledge to uphold standards in future trade deals.