NPA gives overview of the UK’s new Agriculture Bill
Financial assistance, food security and transparency in the supply chain are highlighted as positive changes but questions remain as to the implementation of the bill.
29 January 2020
2 minute read
By: The National Pig Association’s Ed Barker has drafted a detailed briefing on the UK’s Agriculture Bill. The bill, published earlier in January, could potentially overhaul British farming and safeguard animal welfare and food security for future generations. The NPA’s document examines sections of the Bill that impact the pig sector – highlighting the positive elements and lobbying for changes that should be included.
The NPA briefing welcomes the new financial assistance measures that improve or protect the health and welfare of livestock. The document states that it, “is vital that both health and welfare are seen as interrelated, and we are pleased that the Bill reflects this.”
The NPA also supports the Bill’s aim to help farmers manage livestock in a way that adapts to climate change or mitigates on-farm emissions. However, the Bill should be more explicit in the measures available to farmers who want to improve slurry and manure storage and management. The Bill’s other aims regarding food security and supply chain transparency are welcomed by the NPA.
The briefing does highlight areas of concern – especially provisions that do not explicitly state that the UK’s food standards will be maintained and protected.
