Professor of International Law Lorand Bartels has been appointed Chair of a new strengthened Trade and Agriculture Commission (TAC), as part of the Government’s response to the previous Commission’s recommendations. The new TAC will provide expert scrutiny of new trade deals once they reach the signature stage, helping ensure world-leading British agricultural standards are upheld.
The Government is also setting out more detail on measures being introduced to support farmers, in response to recommendations in the original TAC report. They include a new cohort of international 'agri-food attachés' who will work around the world to promote export opportunities for UK farmers and producers, providing market intelligence and technical expertise.
Responding to his appointment, Professor Bartels said:
"It is a great privilege to be able to use my academic work on free trade agreements to practical use, and on a topic of such great public importance and interest, namely how, if at all, trade agreements affect domestic regulation on environmental and animal welfare protections. The Commission has an important role to play in the scrutiny of new Free Trade Agreements and it’s exciting to be involved as the UK forges new trading relationships all around the world."
For more information please see the Government website.