CARIFORUM and UK EPA Study

This while meaning possibly more stringent requirements facing CF exporters, given their lower level of participation in global value chains, presents an opportunity to get it right and make the right connections, particularly in light of the concerns highlighted in TAC’s 2021 report. 30 What is critical to understand the scope of action and priorities for the region, in particular in terms of capacity building to meet new requirements, given the articulated response of the UK government to TAC’s report. In the UK Governments response, the executive summary indicated that it welcomed the report’s recommendations, and noted as follows: “The government is committed to a bold and ambitious approach to agricultural trade. We are focused on getting trade deals that protect and advance the interests of farmers, food producers and consumers. Environmental considerations and protecting animal welfare standards will continue to be at the heart of our strategy. We will not pursue a strategy which undercuts the UK’s reputation for quality. Nor will we lower our food and animal welfare standards in pursuit of trade deals. The UK’s reputation for high-quality products drives demand for UK goods across the globe. Success in the global marketplace depends on us maintaining an unwavering commitment to retaining the highest standards.” In particular in relation to Agro-Food the UK government has signalled its ambitions to improve standards and in particular ensure that environmental issues are a key aspect of trade policy. It has also signalled its intent to address sustainability issues and building capacity in producer countries. This brings into focus not only the need to address capacity issues but also sustainable agricultural practices in CF countries and how this will fit into linking into global value chains. The CF-UK EPA, being in essence more bilateral than the CF-EU EPA, suggests the ability to address the capacity issues in a more timely manner.

30 https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/969045/Trade and-Agriculture-Commission-final-report.pdf

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