The Government is being urged to remain steadfast and not barter away greater market access to the US that would jeopardise the future of UK dairy farming businesses which are already under pressure.
In a joint letter to the Prime Minister, the NFU and Dairy UK warn increased US access to UK food and drinks market risks destabilising markets, weakening domestic food security, undermining domestic standards and ultimately reducing the viability and profitability of many dairy farms.
The letter, sent ahead of US President Donald Trump's state visit to the UK, accompanied an NFU report which sets out the differences between the UK and US when it comes to economies of scale, production systems, welfare standards and attitudes to medicine usage and environmental obligations.
Donald Trump state visit
NFU Dairy Board chair Paul Tompkins said: "British dairy is a huge success story and our ambition to grow the value of our sector is strong, making us natural partners in the Government's growth agenda. What sets our system apart is the weight we place on animal welfare, traceability and environmental care."
He added this had built a reputation of trust and confidence with shoppers.
"Farmers in the US operate under very different constraints. US dairy is produced on a vast scale under different regulatory regimes.
"Increased access for food imports which are not produced to the same high standards as we adhere to will not only erode the confidence of the public but will put UK dairy farming businesses at a competitive disadvantage."
He added it was vital the UK maintained its existing tariff protections when it comes to critical agricultural sectors.
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"The UK cannot continue to barter away domestic food security in pursuit of tariff reductions in other sectors which may never materialise, and which could simply take us back to the status-quo pre 鈥楲iberation Day'. Successive trade deals with New Zealand, Australia and lately India have already seen significant access given to the UK's highly valued dairy market.
"The future cumulative impact of these trade deals, in such a dynamic global trading environment, cannot be ignored."
Dairy
Dr Judith Bryans, chief executive of Dairy UK, added: "British dairy farmers and processors deliver world-class, nutritious products every day, produced to some of the highest welfare and environmental standards in the world.
"This success cannot be put at risk by a rushed or unbalanced trade deal that leaves our sector exposed to unfair competition from imports, produced under very different conditions.
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"If UK dairy is to thrive as part of the Government's growth agenda and we are to protect our own food security, all future agreements have to be fair, balanced and protect both consumer confidence and the long-term viability of our farmers and businesses."听
