Milton Keynes North MP Ben Everitt has welcomed the news UK trade policy will secure opportunities for local farmers and continue to uphold high standards.
International Trade Secretary Liz Truss unveiled the new Trade and Agriculture Commission in Whitehall earlier this week which will help the UK agriculture sector be amongst the most competitive and innovative in the world.
MK has a thriving farming community and in the South East of England alone 25,000 people are employed in the food and drink sector and the value of exports in the agri-food sector increased by 5.3% in 2019.
Ben commented, “It’s fantastic news the Government is putting farmers at the heart of our trade policy, we are taking control of our agriculture policy and ensuring we continue to have high standards.
“This will open up export opportunities for the UK agricultural industry, in particular for SMEs, that benefits MK and the UK economy as a whole.”
International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss, said: “We’re stepping up our engagement with all the groups who have an interest in Britain’s agriculture trade policy. The Trade and Agriculture Commission will ensure the voices of the public and industry are heard, and that their interests are advanced and protected.
“It will advise the government on how Britain can remain a world-leader in animal welfare and environmental standards, and how we can seize new export opportunities for our farmers.
“This is about putting British farming at the heart of our trade policy and ensuring that our agriculture industry is amongst the most competitive and innovative in the world.”