Last Tuesday (14 September), High Peak MP Robert Largan hosted a Q&A session with then Trade Minister Greg Hands MP and local farmers. 

This session gave farmers the chance to question the Minister on the Australian Trade Deal and the protections in place to support Derbyshire farmers. 

Crucially, the Minister set out how the deal does not compromise on our world-leading food standards.

Other topics included food labelling, support for exporters, and new opportunities in emerging Asian and Pacific markets. 

Andrew Critchlow, NFU County Adviser for Derbyshire and a farmer in the constituency, said:

“Farmers are seeking reassurance that new Free Trade Agreements will not undermine the high welfare and environmental standards that food is produced to here in the High Peak. 

“We found it valuable to be able to put our concerns to Minister of State for Trade Policy in the Department for International Trade, Greg Hands and his officials. I’m grateful to Robert Largan for facilitating this opportunity.”

Robert Largan MP commented: 

“Protecting and enhancing our food standards is vital to the success of British farming and sustainably feeding the nation.

“This is an issue close to my heart, given how I rebelled against the Government on the Agriculture Bill last year on this point, which successfully forced the Government into introducing a new Trade & Agriculture Commission.

“I enjoy regularly catching up with our fantastic local farmers. I will always stand up for them!”