British farmers rage against variable geometry standards

British farmers rage against variable geometry standards

Anger is brewing among British farmers as the Conservative government moves further and further away from old European regulations on environmental protection and public health. Result: varying standards, and angry farmers.

1 min

With our correspondent in London, Sidonie Gaucher

British farmers have no shortage of reasons to be angry. Yesterday, Monday January 22 in the morning, fruit and vegetable producers demonstrated in front of Parliament, to protest against purchasing contracts ” unfair » which link them to mass distribution brands. According to them, the price is not fair and almost half of them will have to cease their activity in the next twelve months.

Overpriced organic

In addition, since Brexit, the United Kingdom has turned its back on European regulations, allowing the importation of foodstuffs with low standards, coming from Mexico, Australia or Canada. But on the other hand, the rules for British farmers have tightened, making organic products unaffordable, while the Minister of Health encourages farmers to continue producing organic products.

Brain teaser

A real headache and support from the government is weak. For the founder of Riverford Organic, distributor of organic vegetables, “ British agriculture is on its knees, as are its landscapes, wildlife and rural community. »

Read alsoFarmers’ discontent spreads across Europe

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