Polar Star - March - May 2024
Tuesday 19 March 2024
 7.3°C   SSE Strong Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Business / US trade deal could threaten Isles’ produce

Sheep scab had been eradicated from Shetland for the last 28 years.

ORKNEY and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael, has called for the creation of a food standards commission to protect consumers and prevent the undermining of Northern Isles food standards – some of the “highest in the world”.

Carmichael’s appeal follows reports that lower standard food could be imported from the United States under a future trade deal, undercutting UK farmers and crofters.

Ministers have previously denied that “chlorinated chicken” and other low-cost foods could be allowed in a new trade deal, but press reports suggested that the government plans to open up the UK market under a “dual tariff” scheme.

According to the MP, a food standards commission, which would also be supported by the Scottish farmers’ union, would ensure that all of the food we eat, either at home, in our schools, our hospitals, and in cafes and restaurants when they re-open, is produced to the same standards of food safety, animal welfare and environmental protection.

Alistair Carmichael.

Carmichael said: “We need a food standards commission now, to ensure that the government cannot undermine our farmers and crofters through underhand policy changes. We are rightly proud in the Northern Isles of having some of the highest standards of produce in the world. Farmers and consumers alike deserve peace of mind about fair standards and fair prices for the food we produce and eat.

“I am astonished that the government has leapt directly from denying earlier this year that lower food standards would be permitted to defending this policy turn wholeheartedly. Undercutting farmers and crofters is not what was promised about the ‘brave new world’ of future trade deals.

“It is concerning that the government seems more interested in carrying water for Donald Trump and his ‘America First’ mentality than in supporting our farmers. The government should be accountable to the people they represent, not the whims of US negotiators.”

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 

Speaking in the House of Commons earlier in the week, Carmichael highlighted the potential impact to farmers and crofters in the Northern Isles.

“I would like to hear what the Government’s response is to press reports today that the Government are set to open British markets to food products produced to lower US standards as part of the trade deal with Donald Trump. This was the rhetoric we were given by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster: he told us that there would never be chlorinated chicken on our plate.

“Now, in fact, we hear that as a consequence of the so-called dual tariff process it is quite possible that we will see such products being imported to this country. In fact, we are told that the Secretary of State for International Trade is arguing that these tariffs should be reduced to zero over 10 years, giving farmers time to adjust to the new ‘normal’.

“For the farmers and crofters in my constituency, it will be a hard reality for them to survive in. Because we are a long distance from the market, we have not gone for mass-produced food. We have sought to improve the quality of the products we have and put into market with a view to export. Tariffs on those export markets will be absolutely fatal to the agricultural interests of the highlands and islands.”

Paymaster General Penny Mordaunt replied: “I fully understand why he may be sceptical about trusting the government, but trust the people. They value animal welfare, we should trust the consumer and there are massive opportunities for our farmers for rest of world trade.”

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.