The US is pushing for increased access to the UK market for all its agricultural products, following a recent trade deal focusing on beef. While the deal allows a limited tariff-free quota for beef, it has also sparked concern over lower US standards.
A significant concern for the UK is the difference in food safety and animal welfare standards. The US uses growth hormones in most of its beef and employs chlorine washes for chicken, practices not widely accepted in the UK.
The UK government has maintained that it will not compromise on its food safety and welfare standards, deeming this a non-negotiable point in any trade discussions.
While some organizations, such as the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), welcomed increased access to US markets for British beef, they also expressed worry that the UK agricultural sector is bearing the brunt of tariff removal in other sectors. The NFU highlighted the need for a more balanced approach in future negotiations. The National Pig Farmers Association further suggested implementing core production standards for both domestic and imported food to safeguard UK farming practices.