NFU Scotland Responds to UK-US Trade Deal
NFU Scotland has responded to the announcement of a new UK-US trade deal which includes provisions affecting agriculture, food standards and international market access.
The deal includes tariff-free quotas for beef in both directions, with UK farmers gaining access to the US market and equivalent access being granted to US beef entering the UK. It also removes tariffs on US ethanol, a move that could have implications for UK arable growers.
NFU Scotland recognises the significance of the agreement and acknowledges the potential opportunities and risks it presents for Scottish agriculture. The Union will be seeking further detail and clarification from Ministers on the following areas:
- Whether UK food, animal welfare and environmental standards are fully upheld
- How government intends to ensure that Scottish producers are not undercut by imports produced to different standards
- What impact ethanol liberalisation may have on domestic grain and feed market
- How sensitive sectors will be protected and supported in the long term
President Andrew Connon said:
“This deal raises a number of important questions for Scotland’s farmers. We will be looking closely at the detail and engaging directly with UK Ministers to understand what this means in practice. Our members will rightly expect that domestic production standards are not compromised and that a level playing field is maintained.”
NFU Scotland will continue working with government and other UK farming unions to ensure that Scottish agriculture is not adversely impacted by the implementation of this agreement.
Ends
Contact Carly Ross on 07860 642826
Author: Carly Ross
Date Published: 09/05/2025
News Article No.: 50/25
<
Article List