Animal Welfare in Agriculture Transition: Post-Brexit UK Policy

Post-Brexit UK agricultural policy has created new opportunities and risks for farm animal welfare. Understanding the policy landscape helps advocates support the most welfare-positive outcomes.

Key Facts

The UK's Agriculture Act 2020 replaced EU CAP subsidies with a UK Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme
ELM payments can include animal welfare enhancements as a funded activity
The UK has committed to maintaining existing EU welfare standards as a minimum baseline post-Brexit
The Trade and Agriculture Commission advises on how trade deals can affect UK welfare standards
Australia and US trade deals have raised concerns about import of products from lower-welfare production systems
The Kept Animals Bill contained significant welfare improvements but was partially dropped in 2023

Welfare Considerations

Post-Brexit UK agricultural policy represents a genuine opportunity for welfare improvement — the subsidy system can now reward welfare outcomes rather than just land area. However, trade deals with countries using lower welfare standards could undermine UK welfare progress by allowing cheaper lower-welfare imports to compete with higher-welfare UK products. The Kept Animals Bill's partial drop removed planned bans on live animal export for slaughter and restrictions on pet smuggling — demonstrating that political will is required to translate welfare policy aspiration into law. Consumer and advocacy pressure continues to be needed to ensure welfare improvements are delivered through the new policy framework.

What You Can Do

Engage with ELM consultation processes to advocate for stronger welfare payment criteria
Support the Farm Animal Welfare Council and similar bodies advising on policy development
Advocate for trade deal scrutiny processes that include robust animal welfare impact assessment
Write to MPs supporting welfare provisions in agricultural and trade policy legislation