UFU disappointment at outcome of Agriculture Bill debate

Ulster Farmers' Union president Ivor Ferguson. Picture: Cliff Donaldson

UFU president Ivor Ferguson said they were ‘extremely deflated’ by the result of the House of Commons Agriculture Bill debate.

He continued: “MPs have decided that the Bill remains fit for purpose and no amendments or improvement is needed. This logic has bewildered the entire UK farming community considering how the COVID-19 pandemic has emphasised the importance of local food production and food security.”

The UFU said the UK Government has publicly indicated its intention to protect both the NHS and UK food standards as it starts its negotiations with the US on a possible trade deal, but yet it won’t back this commitment and provide the much-needed reassurance to do so by including it in the most critical piece of agricultural legislation for many years.

Mr Ferguson added: “The MP’s decision leaves UK agriculture in a very uncertain position.

“The fear remains that down the line our market could be flooded with imports produced to standards which would be illegal here, undermining our farmers and putting the entire farm family structure at risk.

“It’s a kick in the teeth to our primary producers who take pride in upholding the highest environmental, animal welfare and food safety standards, and we rely on them now more than ever.

“It’s extremely concerning that the MPs vote concluded that it wasn’t essential to protect the hand that feeds them.

“Putting our disappointment to the side, it has been overwhelming to see farming, environmental and animal welfare organisations coming together to lobby for one cause.

“It has meant a great deal to our members and consumers who value high-quality, trustworthy production.

“We’re not giving up on achieving these production amendments and are encouraged by those MPs, particularly our own local political representatives, who did argue strongly in favour of imports needing to meet UK standards.

“We will be discussing the matter with members of the House of Lords in the hope that they feel the bill needs to be amended.

“Next week the Trade Bill is coming to the House of Commons and this may present the appropriate opportunity to address the matter of import standards,” said Mr Ferguson.