Trade and Agriculture Commission membership announced

Retailers, farming unions, consumer, hospitality and environmental bodies from across the UK have been named as members of the Government’s new Trade and Agriculture Commission.

Retailers, farming unions, consumer, hospitality and environmental bodies from across the UK have been named as members of the Government’s new Trade and Agriculture Commission.

Members include: Ex-Tesco Tech Director/FSA - Tim Smith (Chair), NFU England - Nick von Westenholz, NFU Scotland - Andrew McCornick, NFU Cymru - John Davies, Ulster Farmers’ Union - Victor Chestnutt, The Farmers Union of Wales – Glyn Roberts, Lamb Farmer - Rob Hodgkins, Institute of Economics Affairs- Shanker Singham, Former Chief Veterinary Officer - Nigel Gibbens, British Retail Consortium - Andrew Opie, Former Trade Minister - Lord Price, Trade Out Of Poverty - Tom Pengelly, Former Trade Minister and Agriculture Minister for New Zealand - Sir Lockwood Smith, UKHospitality - Kate Nicholls, Food and Drink Federation - Ian Wright CBE, LEAF - Caroline Drummond.

It will report directly to International Trade Secretary Liz Truss, who said: “My officials and I are working round the clock to ensure that any trade deal we strike brings the very best opportunities to the UK’s farming community.

“We recognise the importance of engaging with the agriculture industry and seeking expert advice, which is why we have set up the Commission.

“We are putting British farming first and giving our producers the best opportunity to export their world class food abroad and grow their businesses. Our high food and animal welfare standards won’t be compromised.”

Ivor Ferguson, President of the UFU:“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. The UFU now have 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.”