CLA reacts to Trump's tariffs: 'British consumers say no' to US meat
British farmers should not have to compete with food produced to much lower standards, argues CLA
The CLA has reacted to Donald Trump's tariffs with dismay, with the President indicating the UK should allow US chlorine-washed chicken into British markets.
After hitting imports from the UK with 10% tariffs, Mr Trump has suggested Britain must accept American produce such as chlorinated chicken in order to gain relief.
In a statement published alongside the tariff announcement, the White House said: “The UK maintains non-science-based standards that severely restrict US exports of safe, high-quality beef and poultry products.”
It suggested that Britain’s ban on chlorinated chicken was among a range of “non-tariff barriers” that limit the US’s ability to trade.
'Buy British'
Country Land and Business Association (CLA) Vice President Joe Evans said:
"Donald Trump might demand we eat chlorinated chicken and beef reared using growth hormones – but British consumers say no."
British farmers, who must comply with some of the highest animal welfare and environmental regulations in the world, should not be forced to compete with American farmers who produce cheap food to much lower standards
"British exports will be affected by these tariffs, which could harm producers of world class wine, spirits, cheeses and other goods. The best thing the public can do to support these farmers and producers is to buy British.
"Ministers would do well to remember that it is the job of British farmers to feed the nation, whilst at the same time being exemplars of sustainable farming practices. We can only do that with a strong and healthy farming sector. Unfortunately, recent government policies – such as changes to inheritance tax – have left the industry considerably weaker.
"The Prime Minister and the Chancellor should reverse these disastrous policies immediately, adding a new line of defence against America's aggressive trade demands."