With the news of a new UK-EU trade deal, the NFU has welcomed the benefits of an improved trading relationship with the EU, while stressing the need to secure vital exclusions from dynamic alignment.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “The government’s ambition to make it easier for the sector to trade with our largest overseas partner is welcome. Of course, as always in trade agreements, the detail is king and we will be scrutinising the specifics of this deal as they become available in the coming weeks, and as talks continue between the UK Government and the EU.”
Early positives of the deal include the outline of a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement which will reduce barriers for UK farmers and growers to export to the EU. Over the past five years, UK agri-food exports to the EU have stagnated with double digit reductions in exports volumes across a variety of farming sectors. This deal has the potential to deliver a more mutually beneficial trading environment for UK farmers and growers. For example, once the details are finalised, we expect UK growers will again be able to export seed potatoes to the continent and enable smoother trade for sectors such as horticulture and crops which rely on imports of seeds and young plants.
While the UK and EU both adhere to similar high food production standards, both sides have agreed there should be limited exceptions to dynamic alignment but it is yet to be confirmed what this will cover. The Precision Breeding Bill, which the NFU campaigned hard for, must be top of the government’s agenda. This exciting policy area, which is also being considered by the EU, will help farmers improve resilience to climate change, enhance productivity and deliver nutritious food. The NFU is urging the government to protect the UK’s ability to make crucial regulatory decisions in this area, alongside others, and foster continued innovation and research.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw continued: “We have always sought a strong trading relationship with the EU which reduces friction at a time of global instability. But since 2020, farming and growing businesses have been faced with significant costs, burdensome paperwork and additional checks in order to trade with partners on the continent.
“The government has clearly listened to these concerns. With the scope to remove Export Health Certificates and cumbersome controls at the border, this deal will deliver many benefits for agri-food exports to the EU.
“However, there remain important questions about what is within the scope of this agreement and, where current rules and regulations do differ, if there will be any exclusions. As negotiations in this area continue, it’s vital that our government safeguards the progress we have made in policy areas such as precision breeding to enable the farming sector to continue to move forward in sustainable, resilient and innovative food production.
“We have always argued that trade with the EU must be based on equivalency. Despite the benefits this deal brings, full dynamic alignment comes at a significant cost of committing to future EU rules, in which the UK will have little say.
“We know today’s announcement is only the start of further negotiations, and we ask our government to ensure any agreements made enable a thriving future for British farming and underpins our nation’s food security.”
