UK Government Seeks Business Input as EU Agrifood Trade Deal Nears
The UK Government has issued a call for information as it moves closer to finalising a deal with the European Union designed to smooth post-Brexit friction in agrifood trade. Officials are actively negotiating an agreement to make trading food, animals, and plants with the EU easier, cheaper, and quicker for British businesses involved in both exports and imports.
Objectives and Timeline of the Proposed Agreement
This initiative aims to cut red tape, increase choice for consumers, and put downward pressure on food price inflation. The proposed start date for the agreement is set for mid-2027, providing a clear timeline for implementation. Since 2018, exports of food and agricultural products to the EU have fallen by 22%, representing almost £4 billion in real terms, highlighting the urgent need for such measures.
Key Features of the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement
The Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement is intended to facilitate the smooth flow of agrifood goods, including plants, from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. This approach protects the UK internal market while maintaining Northern Ireland's unique access to the EU single market. Under this deal, traders would no longer need regulatory certificates, checks, or paperwork for most agrifood goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.
Government and Industry Perspectives
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds emphasised that ensuring Northern Ireland benefits from the agreement has been a guiding principle of the negotiations. She stated, "This deal will make it easier for businesses to move agrifood goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, cutting unnecessary paperwork and slashing costs. At the same time, Northern Ireland will retain its unique dual market – a position unmatched elsewhere in Europe."
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn described this as a significant milestone for Northern Ireland as the UK progresses towards an agreement with the EU. He added, "This will make it easier, cheaper and quicker for British businesses to export and import food, animals and plants. By removing complex checks and paperwork for the vast majority of this trade, an agreement will reduce costs and red tape for local businesses while fully protecting the integrity of the UK internal market."
Ulster Farmers' Union president William Irvine welcomed the progress, noting, "The UFU welcomes progress on the UK-EU SPS agreement negotiations and the opportunities it presents for the agrifood sector. A huge amount of work has gone in at UFU level over many years to get to this point." He stressed that a comprehensive agreement could bring long-term certainty and level the playing field for farmers across the UK.
Call for Business Engagement
The UK Government has launched a six-week call for information to understand how it can support businesses in maximising this opportunity. Businesses in Northern Ireland are encouraged to:
- Engage with their trade body or industry association
- Consult their supply chain to understand potential changes
- Sign up for Defra alerts
- Respond to the call for information and share views on necessary support
This consultation phase is critical for tailoring the agreement to meet the practical needs of the agrifood industry, ensuring that any future deal is implemented swiftly to deliver tangible benefits.
