writes James Moules

DORSET MPs have reacted to the NFU's calls for impeccable UK farming standards after the nation leaves the European Union.

Speaking at a reception, NFU president Minette Batters called on the government not to jeopardise the UK's standards in farming in any potential future trade policy.

The president also emphasised her request for the introduction of a trade and standards commission to ensure the sufficient measures are met.

She said: "In this parliament, we will see new legislation that will impact British farming for years to come.

"These will be landmark moments that will affect us all.

"For our economy, our health and our environment, there is nothing more important than the food we eat and for me, food and farming standards sit at the heart of everything.

"I have been clear that we must value our high farming standards and not sacrifice them in future trade deals, in favour of imports of food produced to standards that would be illegal in the UK.

"Our food values of animal welfare, environmental protection and food safety must be central to everything from agricultural policy to trade policy.

"This is why I have been calling continually for the Government to introduce a trade and standards commission that can advise the Government on future trade agreements and also scrutinise the negotiations to ensure our high farming standards are not undermined by substandard imports.

"The Government now has a fantastic opportunity to make British agriculture a global leader in producing the most sustainable and climate-friendly food in the world, which can be valued at home and abroad.

"It is absolutely vital that politicians from all parties work to achieve these goals and ensure we have a thriving agriculture in Britain."

West Dorset MP Chris Loder welcomed the NFU's comments on the need to maintain high farming standards.

He said: "I’m really pleased that the NFU recognises the benefits and opportunities that Brexit can bring to our farmers here in the UK.

"Our farmers lead the way with quality and standards across the world and I absolutely endorse the need for food standards in other nations to match ours, otherwise we should not accept their produce into the UK food chain."

South Dorset MP Richard Drax said he believes the government must work to support British farmers.

He said: "We must nurture our farmers as they already work to some of the highest standards in the world and of course their role has seem them protecting and enhancing our environment and countryside for generations."

Originally published in the Dorset Echo

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