Politics

The UK is not as ready as it should be for the end of the Brexit transition, and it’s hard to see how the current lean, just-in-time meat and dairy supply chains will survive, says Shane Brennan, chief executive of the Cold Chain Federation.

Ministers have finally given Parliament more power to scrutinise trade deals, but the Parliament which will be scrutinising is the same Tory-majority one which has voted time and again not to protect our standards. I am not popping the champagne cork just yet, says Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron.

The Agriculture Bill has officially become law and been made an Act after receiving Royal Assent today (November 11).

Farming Minister Victoria Prentis has apologised to the business community for the uncertainty over future trading arrangements with the EU.

Trade Secretary Liz Truss has attempted to reassure Welsh sheep farmers about the prospect of a UK-New Zealand trade deal.

The chairman of the Trade and Agriculture Commission (TAC), Tim Smith, has said he expects around 80 per cent of the body’s recommendations to Government to be backed by all of its members.

Concerns have been raised about the membership and powers of the beefed-up Trade and Agriculture Commission (TAC).

Red Tractor was created 20 years ago but has come under mounting scrutiny in recent months, with an increasing number of industry voices asking if the scheme is still relevant for farmers and consumers. Abi Kay reports.

Food and farming standards have been a battleground for unions and politicians for decades, with the emergence of Brexit and Britain’s future place in the world only intensifying the debate.

The food standards debate has shown this Government must be closely watched if we are to protect our farming industry, says Leicestershire arable and beef farmer Joe Stanley.