Australian ministers stand by the “safety and quality” of their country’s produce ALAMY

Australia is preparing to challenge Britain’s plans to maintain a ban on hormone-treated beef and to push for the free flow of its agricultural products.

Simon Birmingham, the country’s trade minister, will stand by the “safety and quality” of Australian produce during trade talks, which could begin within weeks of Britain’s departure from the European Union on Friday.

Theresa Villiers, the environment secretary, has stated categorically that Britain will maintain the EU’s ban on meat from cattle treated with growth hormones.

Britain is hoping for a “rapid and ambitious” deal with Australia, but farming standards will be a key issue for Canberra. Mr Birmingham said: “When the UK is ready to commence negotiations, we will as we do in all of our trade negotiations — highlight…