BRITISH CONSUMERS demand that imported food must meet the same environmental and animal welfare standards as food produced in the UK.

A recent Savanta ComRes poll of over 2000 Britons aged 18 and over, found that 77% of adults agree that the government should ensure all imported food meets the same environmental and animal welfare standards as food produced in the UK and 55% believe it is important that food is produced to a low carbon footprint – only 14% disagreed.

The poll – commissioned by the British Guild of Agricultural Journalists – was conducted between April 16 and 18, and the results are timely given the UK and Australia trade negotiations which have ramped up in the last two weeks.

BGAJ president Baroness Rosie Boycott commented: “The public’s attitudes towards food and farming standards remain clear and should serve as a reminder to government that safeguarding agriculture’s world-leading high standards should be a priority as ministers forge ahead with new trade deals.”

The results show no change in public sentiment since the BGAJ’s last survey, which was carried out before a Brexit deal was agreed.

Baroness Boycott continued: “The public’s head hasn’t been turned by any alternatives in the slightest, despite the UK exiting the European Union. It also indicates that the public would not support any free trade deal allowing Australia tariff-free imports on beef, lamb and sugar – an arrangement that would undercut UK farmers and set a dangerous precedent. The public appreciates the multifaceted work our farmers do on a daily basis and believes our industry still has a pivotal role to play in providing food for the country while safeguarding the environment. We can only hope the government feels the same way.”

Nearly two thirds (62%) of the public agree that UK farmers should receive financial support from the taxpayer to ensure a continued supply of food produced by British farmers post-Brexit, compared to just 10% who disagree, with 39% of respondents stating that a UK farmer’s primary purpose should be to produce food rather than carry out environmental work.

The poll found that the impact of Brexit has influenced consumers shopping habits with 49% of respondents saying they are more likely to buy British Food as a result of Brexit. Younger adults are more likely than their older counterparts to be willing to pay more for food which has a lower carbon footprint, with 48% of 18 to 34 year olds agreeing compared to 40% of those aged 55 plus who responded.

Continuing on the issue of food prices, 38% admitted they always buy the cheapest option at the supermarket, but one third of shoppers agreed that they only buy food marked with the Red Tractor logo.

On the topic of gene editing, 43% said they didn't know enough about it to feel confident buying food produced using this technology, however 34% agreed new plant-breeding technologies, such as genetically modified and gene-edited crops, should be used to grow food in the UK, compared to more 27% who disagreed.