4 things we learned from Conservative conference

The Conservative Party’s annual conference took place in Manchester this week.

There were no new set piece farming policy announcements from Defra secretary Therese Coffey, but Farmers Weekly did pick up several interesting nuggets. 

See also: Jacob Rees-Mogg’s pro-Aussie beef comments spark reaction

Trichinella testing set to be ditched

A requirement to test breeding pigs for Trichinella may be axed, according to Defra secretary Therese Coffey.

There have been no confirmed cases of trichinosis from meat produced in the UK since 1969 and the last reported case in a domestic pig was in 1979, but mandatory testing is part of retained EU law.

At an NFU fringe event at the conference, the secretary of state said Defra was “looking at potentially repealing the need to do trichinella testing” as part of its drive to remove unnecessary regulations.

National Pig Association chief executive Lizzie Wilson said she welcomed the move, but would need clear assurances that it would not affect the ability to export, especially to the EU.

Proposal to use Red Tractor on exports

Industry leaders are keen to explore ways to use the Red Tractor marque to promote the quality of British food abroad.

Tim Smith, chair of the Food and Drink Sector Council, said the organisation wanted to review the use of the symbol.

“[We can] make that a much more competitive offer, with higher standards and a stronger approach,” he added.

Coffey rules out ban on disposable barbecues

Defra secretary Therese Coffey has ruled out a ban on disposable barbecues for as long as she is in post.

“I know there is cause to ban them,” she said. “We’ve banned quite a lot of things as Conservatives over the past 13 years to try to improve the environment.

“I’ll be open with you, it’s not my intention to ban those. However, it is a criminal offence to be lighting them in protected areas.

“People have to be more responsible.”

WTO issues hold up progress on public procurement

Therese Coffey said she was “having a few battles” with World Trade Organisation (WTO) issues in her bid to get the public sector to buy more British food. 

The secretary of state told the NFU fringe event that “some progress” had been made, but the government was not yet in a position to unveil its policy. 

Trade experts told Farmers Weekly the hold-up could be related to the government procurement agreement, in which the UK has made certain commitments on public procurement.