Defra has launched a Call for Information to understand the impact of the SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) agreement and its potential impact on the industry.
Defra claims it will help develop practical guidance for businesses and identify any areas where further support would be useful.
UK businesses will need to meet EU rules within the scope of the agreement, whether trading with the EU or serving only the UK market. All businesses, including small and medium enterprises in the food and farming sectors – and related industries such as retail and processing – may need to make operational changes to ensure they comply.
Defra needs submissions by April 23rd. Those wanting to do so need to visit: https://consult.defra.gov.uk/eudp-evidence-and-analysis/uk-eu-sps-agreement-call-for-information
The NFU is also looking for feedback and will be engaging with its membership throughout the consultation period to prepare for the changes and identify any further issues that could come from it. It is calling for sufficient transition measures so farmers, growers and markets can effectively prepare for any changes that result from the Agreement.
The document outlines a list of regulations that it expects to be in scope with the EU. However, negotiations continue and the NFU is asking for:
- A transitional arrangement for rules on organic practices, plant protection and biocidal products so British farmers don’t face a cliff edge scenario.
- UK industry progress in combatting anti-microbial resistance and precision breeding technology to be safeguarded, supporting the UK’s drive towards sustainable, resilient and innovative food production.
- The government to preserve GB’s ability to continue to develop and potentially deploy a cattle vaccine for bovine TB.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “The main thing we’re hearing from our members is the need for a sufficient transition period. Farming is a long-term business – many farmers are making production decisions now that will impact food sold beyond mid-2027.
“The government has said it is considering transitional arrangements for some sectors. If this Agreement is to work for the British farming sector, it cannot be bound by an impractical deadline which will only increase the cost of producing food, both for the domestic and EU market. We need government to take a pragmatic approach and give farmers the time needed to adjust.”
The SPS covers hundreds of pieces of regulation, and it’s important Defra takes time to explain to farmers and growers how alignment with the EU rules could affect their businesses, says the NFU.
“We want to hear about any concerns members have over the implementation of the SPS agreement so we can provide a clear picture to the government of what is needed to ensure farmers and growers can benefit from this deal,” Mr Bradshaw added.
