International Trade Secretary Liz Truss is today launching the Trade and Agriculture Commission. Animal welfare, consumer and environmental groups will meet with the Department for International Trade at a formal launch to talk about how they can support the Trade and Agriculture Commission.

This is part of a major drive by Ms Truss to engage the public and industry in decisions about the UK’s trade policy.

She will be joined by Tim Smith, chair of the Commission – and former head of the Food Standards Agency – and by other members of the Commission. Environment Secretary George Eustice will also deliver a video message.

In addition to Trade and Agriculture Commission’s Chair and Members, attendees will include: Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), National Sheep Association, British Veterinary Association, Initiative for Free Trade, Tesco and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

The government’s Trade and Agriculture Commission met for the first time on Friday, July 24.

Ms Truss said: “We’re stepping up our engagement with all the groups who have an interest in Britain’s agriculture trade policy. The Trade and Agriculture Commission will ensure the voices of the public and industry are heard, and that their interests are advanced and protected.

“It will advise the government on how Britain can remain a world-leader in animal welfare and environmental standards, and how we can seize new export opportunities for our farmers.

“This is about putting British farming at the heart of our trade policy and ensuring that our agriculture industry is amongst the most competitive and innovative in the world.”