This call comes as a European Union ban on the imports of beef and poultry meat from Brazil comes into force on Thursday 3 September 2026. The EU ban has been put in place as the country has been unable to show that it is using antibiotics in its production systems responsibly.
Undermine the work
At the show Mr Williams said:
“With the EU ban coming into effect in a fortnight there is a real concern about Brazilian beef and poultry meat earmarked for the EU being diverted onto the UK market.
Allowing this meat onto the UK market would undermine both the world leading work that Welsh and UK farmers have undertaken on antimicrobial resistance and consumer confidence in the food products they are buying.
“Welsh and UK consumers can be sure of the integrity and food safety of Welsh beef through our PGI scheme and poultry meat through the Red Tractor assurance.
We have a fantastic story to sell with voluntary efforts, through Farm Assurance for example, helping see UK sales of farm antibiotics reduced by 60% since 2014, with an even more impressive 83% reduction in the use of antibiotics critically important for human health over the same period.
Government has responsibilities to ensure food safety for Welsh and British consumers match our own no matter where in the world the products come from.”
Further pressure
Mr Williams added: “The EU decision to ban Brazilian animal products is due to real concerns around the ability of Brazil to use antibiotics responsibly in their beef and poultry sectors.
“At a time when farmers across the country are working tirelessly, ensuring their livestock have access to the feed, water and shelter they need to cope with the extremely hot and dry conditions, it would be unacceptable to see Welsh farming put under further pressure by the import of produce that doesn't meet our own high standards.
“NFU Cymru President Abi Reader and I will be meeting with Wales Office Minister, Anna McMorrin later today to discuss our concerns. The September 3 deadline is fast approaching; we are asking that the UK Government introduces a ban on Brazilian products of animal origin until such time as DEFRA has conducted an extensive, in person audit of Brazilian production and traceability systems.”