Veterinary input vital as Agriculture Act comes into law, says BVA

During the passage of the Bill, BVA campaigned alongside farmers and animal welfare and environmental organisations to insert clauses into the legislation to prevent the undermining of British animal welfare standards in future trade deals.

Commenting, BVA President, James Russell said:

“We’re glad to see that the Agriculture Bill has now passed into law. Although it does not include all the assurances that we had hoped for on international trade deals, it is important that the remit of the Trade and Agriculture Commission has been strengthened. We are keen to engage with the Commission in the future to make sure that the breadth of veterinary expertise is heard.

“One of the most important elements of the Agriculture Act is how England will deliver its post-CAP policy. BVA secured assurances early on that animal health and welfare would be considered public goods and we are pleased to be involved in discussions about how this will be delivered, in practice.

“It is essential that veterinary expertise and advice is at the heart of any new system to ensure that we continue to build on and protect UK standards of animal health and welfare and safeguard public health.”