The NFU has repeated its call for a robust system of core production standards for food imports to protect UK farmers and consumers from imported food that would be illegal to produce here.

In its submission to the Department for Business and Trade's consultation on a new trade strategy, the NFU has also set out the principles it hopes will open up access for more UK farming businesses to international markets and promote our highest standards when it comes to food production.

NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “After regaining independent control of our international trade policy in 2020, the previous government chose to move at pace, striking unbalanced trade deals and positioning the UK on the global stage without a clear and transparent strategy.

“Confidence among UK farmers has hit rock-bottom, not helped by an approach to trade policy that encouraged the import of goods produced to lower environmental and animal welfare standards. It's unreasonable for our government to demand ever increasing standards from our farmers that bring additional costs and burdens, while allowing products to be sold on our market that fail to meet equivalent production standards.

“An effective plan that sets out coherent and consistent policy principles is long overdue – one that champions a positive trade model, that is fair and trusted by farmers and consumers, and ensures our food is safe, healthy and affordable and produced to the highest standards.

“We are urging government to level the playing field and translate its pledge to “protect farmers from being undercut by low welfare and low standards in trade deals,” into a set of statutory core production standards that must be met by both domestically produced and imported food to be sold in the UK.

“A comprehensive trade strategy that places domestic producers at its heart is essential in securing the nation’s food security.”