On 8 May 2025, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and President Donald Trump confirmed a new trade deal between the United Kingdom and the United States. While it marks a major moment in international relations, the most meaningful consequences will be felt not in parliament buildings, but on farms across the country.
For British agriculture, this deal could reshape trade flows, pricing, and the standards that define our food system. So what should farmers and agricultural professionals really take from it?
UK Government Stands Firm on Standards
Sir Keir Starmer was clear in his messaging. He described the deal as a major win for British farmers, claiming it would open up new export opportunities without lowering food or animal welfare standards. The Prime Minister insisted that any agreement which failed to put more money in the pockets of British people would not be pursued.
This commitment is welcome, but producers will be watching closely to ensure that promises on standards translate into practical protections in the marketplace.
The US Focuses on Price and Consumer Choice
President Trump took a more market-led stance. In his remarks, he placed the emphasis on consumer choice and price competitiveness, stating that the UK could import whatever American goods it wanted, and that those goods would often be cheaper.
This reflects a key divergence in the two countries' approaches. While the UK has made public commitments to uphold welfare standards, the US is focused on access and affordability. British farmers may find themselves competing with lower-cost products that do not have to meet the same legal or ethical benchmarks.
Beef Imports Create Competitive Pressure
One of the standout elements of the deal is the allowance of 13,000 tonnes of tariff-free US beef into the UK. While hormone-treated beef is excluded, other areas of concern remain. Practices such as the use of ractopamine, the lack of mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses, and the continued legality of live exports in the US raise questions around fairness and consumer transparency.
Farmers in the UK who are required to operate to higher standards may feel pressure on prices and margins if consumers opt for cheaper imports without being fully informed of the production differences.
Poultry and Pork Remain Protected - For Now
There was a strong response from the British Poultry Council following the deal’s announcement, praising the Government for excluding poultry from the agreement. This has been seen as a positive step in maintaining trust and integrity in the domestic supply chain.
The pig sector, meanwhile, remains largely unaffected at this stage, with the US still lacking access to the UK market. However, US officials have made it clear that poultry, pork, rice, and seafood will be key areas in future trade discussions. The pig industry has already urged negotiators to safeguard standards in any future agreements.
Retailers Reaffirm Support for British Agriculture
Both Aldi and Waitrose have issued public statements backing British farmers and pledging to maintain high sourcing standards. Aldi confirmed that its current sourcing practices would remain in place regardless of trade developments, while Waitrose reiterated its longstanding commitment to sourcing all own-brand fresh meat, eggs, and milk from UK farms.
This vocal support from supermarkets sends a strong signal, and it will be crucial in helping consumers make informed choices in the months ahead.
What This Means for Farming Careers and Recruitment
Trade deals do more than change what’s on shelves. They influence investment decisions, shift the balance of production costs, and can impact job creation or redundancy across the supply chain. As new opportunities open for export, and as pressure builds on domestic producers to differentiate their products, the skills required in UK farming will continue to evolve.
At Agricultural Recruitment Specialists, we are already seeing employers ask for more expertise in compliance, sustainability, supply chain logistics, and export readiness. We expect to see increased demand for professionals who can help UK agribusinesses remain competitive, compliant, and forward-thinking in this new environment.
Supporting the Sector Through Change
We understand that trade policy can feel abstract, but the impact is very real. Farmers and agricultural businesses need trusted partners who understand both the people and the pressures shaping this industry.
If your business needs help finding the right people to navigate change, or if you're a candidate looking to build your future in this evolving landscape, speak to us today. Our team specialises in connecting ambitious individualswith employerswho are ready to grow and adapt.
