Campaigners say Brexit must mean highest standards for meat and dairy

The report finds that the EU's CAP is 'not fit for purpose'
The report finds that the EU's CAP is 'not fit for purpose'

Campaigning organisations are calling for Brexit and new trade deals to mean high-standard food, particularly for meat and dairy foods.

The new report, by the Eating Better alliance, urges the Government to see Brexit as an historic opportunity to reshape food and farming.

The alliance wants a system that delivers more for the public's health, the environment and for farm animal welfare.

The call follows Defra Minister Michael Gove's acknowledgement that farm subsidies need to be better directed.

"British livestock farmers cannot compete with other countries in a race to the bottom, and they shouldn¹t try," says Clare Oxborrow, Chair of the Eating Better alliance.

"Brexit provides the opportunity to create, and promote, a high-standard Britain, one synonymous with globally leading production standards for animal welfare and the environment.

"It is this which should underpin our meat and dairy particularly for our crucial export markets, not a bargain-bin Britain."

The report finds that the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is 'not fit for purpose'.

In particular, the report says it fails to adequately address the environmental and climate change impacts of livestock farming.

Furthermore, trade negotiations risk undermining UK standards of environmental protection, food safety and farm animal welfare.

The Eating Better alliance says the £3bn of current UK farming subsidies need to be better spent on delivering public benefits.