Trade and Animal Welfare in Wales

Following the UK’s exit from the European Union in 2020, the UK Government has since agreed and negotiated free trade agreements (FTAs) with various countries - the majority of whom have lower animal welfare standards than ours. The UK has higher animal welfare standards than most other confirmed and prospective trade partners in virtually every area that has been negotiated to date, particularly with regards to on-farm standards and regulatory processes.

It is our view that all FTAs should have a chapter on animal welfare, including detailed provisions on animal welfare cooperation. Any FTA should also formally recognise the links between animal welfare and sustainable development (e.g. antimicrobial resistance) under their respective sustainable development chapters.

With trade matters being reserved to the UK Government, frustrations have previously arisen where the Welsh Government has felt that they have not been adequately consulted on agreements - despite the impact the import of low-welfare produce could have on farmers in Wales. With there being no requirements for mandatory country of origin or method of production labelling here as it stands, consumers may also struggle to identify and buy food that is in line with their purchasing intentions. We therefore continue to urge the UK Government to adopt a transparent approach to these negotiations when agreeing its mandate, during the relevant negotiations and when adopting the FTA and to work with its counterparts in Wales to ensure that animal welfare is given due consideration.