Independent report

Trade and Agriculture Commission: terms of reference

Updated 12 March 2021

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/trade-and-agriculture-commission-tac/trade-and-agriculture-commission-terms-of-reference

This Trade and Agriculture Commission has ceased to operate and has been superseded by a new Trade and Agriculture Commission, which has a new role and membership.

1. Introduction

We are committed to developing trade policies that will secure our long-term prosperity and wealth. In consultation with the agriculture and food production industries, we aim to develop trading positions and policies that drive growth and opportunity for our traders, producers of food and consumers across the UK whilst also ensuring that the UK continues to play a leading role on international agricultural issues. We will not compromise our high standards of animal welfare, production and farming and will ensure that the UK agriculture sector is amongst the most competitive and innovative in the world.

The agriculture and food industries are our largest manufacturing sectors employing more than 4 million people and contributing £120 billion to our economy. This commission will play a crucial part advising on how to create further growth and stimulate this critical pillar of our economy.

The commission, in its advisory capacity, will be able to provide a fast and agile view as we develop trade policies that are fair and competitive to our producers, traders and consumers.

2. Aims

The Trade and Agriculture Commission (TAC) will act as an independent advisory board to the Secretary of State for International Trade by producing a report which:

  • considers the policies that government should adopt in free trade agreements to:
    • secure opportunities for UK farmers
    • ensure the sector remains competitive
    • make sure that animal welfare and environmental standards in food production are not undermined

  • reflects consumer interests and those of developing countries

  • considers how the UK engages the WTO to build a coalition that helps advance higher animal welfare standards across the world

  • develops trade policy that identifies and opens up new export opportunities for the UK agricultural industry – in particular for small and medium-sized businesses – and that benefits the UK economy as a whole

3. Out of scope

The group will inform the Secretary of State for International Trade but will not set government policy. It is not a decision-making body. The group has no remit to discuss food and feed safety regulation and policy across the whole food chain that is regulated by the Food Standards Agency, Food Standards Scotland and the Department of Health and Social Care.

4. Timing and reporting

The Trade and Agriculture Commission has a fixed term of 6 months. At the end of the term, it will submit an advisory report which will be presented to Parliament by the Department for International Trade.

5. Membership

The commission is chaired by food safety expert Tim Smith, a former Chief Executive of the Food Standards Agency and Tesco Group Quality Director.

Other members include:

  • NFU England - Nick von Westenholz
  • NFU Scotland - Andrew McCornick
  • NFU Cymru - John Davies
  • Ulster Farmers Union - Victor Chestnutt
  • The Farmers Union of Wales - Glyn Roberts
  • Lamb farmer - Rob Hodgkins
  • Competere - Shanker Singham
  • Former Chief Veterinary Officer - Nigel Gibbens CBE
  • British Retail Consortium - Andrew Opie
  • Trade Out Of Poverty - Tom Pengelly
  • Former Trade Minister and Agriculture Minister for New Zealand - Sir Lockwood Smith
  • UKHospitality - Kate Nicholls
  • Food and Drink Federation - Ian Wright CBE
  • LEAF - Caroline Drummond

6. Secretariat

The work of the Trade and Agriculture Commission, as an independent advisory body, will be supported by a secretariat run by the Department for International Trade.

The Secretariat can be contacted at [email protected].

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