Thousands sign food standards petition
© Tim Scrivener More than 250,000 people have signed a petition urging the government to ensure food imports meet UK production standards.
Initiated by the NFU, the petition has won support from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.
It says Covid-19 has highlighted the importance of food security and traceability, and calls on the government to ensure all food eaten in the UK matches the high standards met by British farmers.
See also: Agriculture Bill: Which MPs fought for UK farmers?
NFU president Minette Batters said it was vital farmers were not undermined by a flood of substandard food imports as the UK sought international trade deals.
Political challenge
“It is the most political challenge we have faced,” she added.
With the government’s Agriculture Bill due to receive its second reading in the House of Lords, Mrs Batters said the union was “pulling every lever” on behalf of farmers.
The bill will be debated by peers on Wednesday (10 June).
Critics argue that banning substandard food imports would be against World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.
But the NFU argues that WTO rules should be updated to reflect 21st-century concerns relating to animal welfare and the environment.
To sign the petition, visit www.nfuonline.com/news/latest-news/food-standards-petition/