11-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Farmers and NFU Cymru voices concerns about US-UK trade deal
NFU Cymru deputy president Abi Reader has said the trade deal was made due to tariffs put in place in April.
She said: "This is not something anybody wanted.
"Since then, we have worked tirelessly on behalf of Welsh and British agriculture, engaging closely with the UK Government to ensure our farmers receive a fair and balanced outcome within this deal and that the public is not exposed to lower standard produce."
She said they appreciated the efforts made by the government to listen to concerns around the high standards, protecting sensitive agricultural sectors and ensuring access for beef.
The deputy president praised Welsh farmers, saying: "Here in Wales, we produce beef to some of the highest animal welfare and environmental standards in the world and this is a credit to farmers across the country.
"Our PGI Welsh Beef is second to none and by sourcing Welsh, consumers can be confident they are getting the best product possible for their money."
However, Ms Reader highlighted serious worries for the arable sector.
She said: "The inclusion of a significant volume of bioethanol in the deal raises concerns for Welsh and British arable farmers.
"We are working through what this means for the viability of domestic bioethanol production and therefore the potential impact on our members.
"Our biggest concern is that two agricultural sectors have been singled out to shoulder the heavy burden of the removal of tariffs for other industries in the economy."
