Help keep our produce promoted globally and compete on the basis of quality, not just price

There has been a lot in the media over the last few days talking about the future of our countryside outside of the European Union. With the Environment Secretary talking about a Green Brexit and the potential import of chlorinated chicken from America, it reminds us that food and farming are central to decisions about how we leave the EU and future trade deals. It is vital that we get these decisions right as our food and farming industry is nationally important, generating over £108 billion a year for the UK economy and employing one in eight people. It is particularly important for our most rural areas where farming is often central to the economic and social life of the community as well as playing a vital role in conservation.
The UK produces some of the best food in the world, with the highest standards of safety and animal welfare and we must not let trade negotiations undermine our farmers and producers.

The Countryside Alliance believes:

• Any new trade deals must protect these high standards and allow our produce to be promoted globally and compete on the basis of quality, not just price.


• Tariff-free access to the EU market and labour must be maintained after we leave the EU.


• We must develop an agricultural policy that is appropriate for the UK, targeting support payments for the public good provided by farmers.

We need your support more than ever to protect UK farming and produce. Please join the Countryside Alliance to help us to continue to represent your countryside in Westminster.