Cautious welcome for new EU deal

FARMING leaders in Wales have given a cautious welcome to the outcome of the UK-EU summit which aims to reduce trade friction between the UK and its largest trading partner when it comes to the export of agri-food products.

- STAFF REPORTER

As part of the agreement, the UK Government said it has secured improved trading rights for food and agricultural products into the EU.

These include a new agreement that will make it easier for food and drink to be imported and exported by reducing red tape and the removal of some routine checks on animal and plant products.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer claimed that the new agreement would make food and agricultural trade with the EU cheaper and easier and could lower food prices and increase choice on supermarket shelves.

NFU Cymru president Aled Jones said: "For some time we have been calling on government to pursue a better relationship with the EU, with the aim of reducing trade costs and friction. Securing an ambitious Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) agreement with the EU is one of the ways which will help to reduce friction at the border, and indeed that was something we called for in our general election manifesto of this time last year.

"I am pleased that the UK Government has clearly listened to these concerns. With the scope to remove Export Health Certificates and cumbersome controls at the border, this deal will deliver many benefits for agri-food exports to the EU.