The Assembly’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
Committee (AERA) has expressed its concern that the Agriculture
Bill, which passed in the House of Commons yesterday, could have
the potential to impact negatively on the agri-foods industry
here.
The Committee had initially voiced concern, in its February
2020 report on the bill, about the potential for post brexit
trade deals to result in the UK import of cheaper foods, produced
to a lower standard. Members had noted that this could serve to
undercut local farmers, making it more difficult for them to
compete in the marketplace, and that it could ultimately pose a
serious threat to the future of the industry as a
whole.
The Committee Chairperson, Declan McAleer MLA said
“The Committee had been supportive of a number of
amendments to the bill, that food imported into the UK post
brexit, would be produced to at least equivalent environmental,
animal welfare and food safety standards. Unfortunately, none of
these amendments were successful, and we believe that without
this safeguard, our local agri-foods sector could be put at a
severe competitive disadvantage in the
future.
“The UK-EU withdrawal agreement, cemented the
absolute necessity for our local agri-foods sector to continue to
operate on an all island basis. Any divergence in terms of animal
welfare and general food standards in the UK, could pose very
serious difficulties to the sector here, in terms of working
within the Protocol. This bill must serve to protect and benefit
all farmers, producers and the consumer; we cannot be placed in a
situation where, even if it is by default, our capacity to
participate fairly in the marketplace is diminished. Our unique
circumstances must be carefully considered within the context of
the agreed Protocol.”
Mr McAleer continued: “While the Agriculture
Bill has passed in the House of Commons, it has yet to be debated
and agreed by the House of Lords before it becomes law. We will
continue to do everything that we can as a committee, to advocate
on behalf of the sector and to ensure that our particular
circumstances here are fully appreciated and
recognised.”
Mr McAleer concluded: “We quite rightly take pride in
the fact that our agricultural foods are produced to the highest
standards, and are acknowledged as being amongst the finest in
the world. It is crucial, that in an uncertain post-brexit world,
we are able to maintain this high level of quality for the
consumer, whilst being provided with equal opportunity to trade
and compete in a fair and equitable marketplace.”
The Committee also expressed disappointment that an
amendment to provide a sunset clause for the Northern Ireland
Provisions of the bill, which it had called for in its report,
was also defeated.
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
Further information on UK Government Agriculture Bill,
which includes the Committee Report can
accessed here:
Committee Membership.
Mr Declan McAleer MLA (Chairperson)
Mr Philip McGuigan MLA (Deputy Chairperson)
Ms Clare Bailey MLA
Mrs Rosemary Barton MLA
Mr John Blair MLA
Mr Maurice Bradley MLA
Mr Pat Catney MLA
Mr Harry Harvey MLA
Mr MLA
