Cheap imported food could flood Wales because of irresponsible trade deals

Irresponsible trade deals by a Westminster elite could lead to Wales being flooded with cheap imported food, harming the agricultural industry, rural economy and public health, Assembly Members heard today.

During a debate in the National Assembly Plaid Cymru’s Simon Thomas said only the Party of Wales could defend the Welsh agricultural community, unlike all the other London dominated parties.

Yesterday Tory Theresa May came to Wales and was asked about her plans for the farming industry. The Conservative Prime Minister declined to commit to protecting support for farmers after 2020.

She was told by farmers without support, food prices would probably need to double. 

European payments comprise 80 per cent of farm income in Wales. The purpose of these payments has been to ensure reasonably priced, high quality and high welfare food for the consumer.

Plaid Cymru Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Climate Change and Rural Affairs Simon Thomas said:

“There is a danger tomorrow that Theresa May is elected as Prime Minister – she will be entwined with free market fundamentalists happy to walk away from the EU with no deal – no deal to protect Welsh jobs, with no deal to protect Welsh wages, with no deal to protect Welsh agriculture, with no deal to make sure Wales prospers beyond Brexit.

“Vital restrictions on foreign produce which protect domestic Welsh producers could be dropped.

“Key industries such as agriculture could face being undercut by bans on genetically modified food being lifted, in turn harming Welsh agriculture and public health.

“Argentinean and American beef, as well as New Zealand lamb, which would fail to meet our current safety standards, could be imported at cheaper costs and greater volumes, undermining our farms and rural communities.

“With Labour weak and divided, Plaid Cymru is the only party you know you can trust to defend the Welsh farming interests against the Tories.

“The Lib Dems are in effect in coalition with Labour here in Wales and have had nothing to say to farmers in Wales since the EU referendum.

“The next Westminster Government must deliver on the promises of its prominent Leave campaigners and guarantee that European funding for agriculture and rural development is replaced its entirety. People voted in the referendum in good faith thinking there would not be a penny less for Welsh farming but now there is uncertainty about future funding.

“To give protection to Welsh farmers and rural communities, the UK Government should seek the endorsement of each UK country before any trade deal is be signed.

“Wales is being completely ignored in this election. Put our country back on the map and make your voice heard tomorrow by voting to defend Welsh agriculture.”