The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) has called on Ottawa to terminate its trade agreement with the United Kingdom, arguing that the deal offers little benefit to Canadian producers. The CCA claims that while Canada has granted the UK greater access to its markets, British trade barriers — particularly around food safety and animal health standards — continue to block Canadian beef and pork exports.

The wider implication for UK meat processors will sound familiar. Recent experience has taught us that a poorly structured deal may seem beneficial but can expose UK meat processors to long-term competitive pressures. The government will need to tread carefully when negotiating any new terms of trade. As well as safeguarding its high food safety, animal welfare and processing standards, the UK must also have an eye to what might interfere with the main prize – an SPS agreement with our largest and most significant trading partner, the European Union. While there will be multiple ‘bargaining chips’ in play, meat is of particular significance to British consumers.

The challenge in all these negotiations is to ensure that “free trade” remains truly fair trade for the UK meat industry. BMPA will work with ministers and civil servants as they work on trade deals to advise on the complex details surrounding meat production and the pitfalls that exist which can disadvantage our domestic producers.

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