MPs fear EU rules will hit farmers in 2027 with no transitional period
The National Farmers’ Union President Tom Bradshaw: “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.”
MPs have raised concerns that farmers will face a cliff edge with no transition period as the Government brings in its food and drink deal with the European Union.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds has announced various areas where British farmers will have to align with their European counterparts as part of the SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary) agreement which is slated to come in in 2027.
This includes EU hygiene rules applying to UK slaughterhouses, meat processors, and dairy producers, while animal health frameworks will apply to British farmers, breeders and traders.
The Government expects that by reducing red tape the deal will increase agricultural exports by 16 per cent.
Both the National Farmers’ Union and the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee of MPs have called for transitional arrangements to be put in place to support British businesses.
However, it appears that the Government is not planning to do so.
In a response to the Efra Committee’s report on the SPS deal, which called for a transition period, it said: “It is our intent that the agreement will take effect in mid-2027. We have been listening to businesses and understand concerns raised about how the new agreement could affect them.
“We know that some businesses require longer to adjust to the new arrangements and will continue to work with them to ensure a smooth transition.”
Committee chair Alistair Carmichael MP said: “Our report was primarily concerned with ensuring that the Government puts its best foot forward in negotiating a new SPS deal with the EU, one that supports our farmers and growers, and we welcome the Government’s positive response to many of our recommendations.
“It is disappointing, however, that ministers have disagreed with our call to give businesses a transition period to adjust to what could be very disruptive changes coming down the track.
“With headwinds already howling in their direction, the sector needs all the help it can get.”
It comes after NFU President Tom Bradshaw urged the Government to bring in such arrangements.
He said: “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.”
Mr Carmichael also questioned Whitehall over its response to illegal meat imports.
The committee published a report earlier this year warning that an alarming amount of illegal meat and dairy products are being smuggled into the UK, which could be “catastrophic” for the agriculture sector.
MPs said they witnessed “vans stuffed with room temperature meat products packaged in plastic bags, newspaper and cardboard boxes” which are then being sold at markets.
The Government revealed that its cross-department Goods Border Small Ministerial Group has only met once, last July.
However, it said the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has also set up a new Illegal Imports Improvement project, which will work with bodies including Border Force and the Foods Safety Agency.
Mr Carmichael added: “It is reassuring, at least, that Defra appears to have belatedly awoken other departments – most importantly the Home Office – to the need for an action plan to reduce illegal meat imports.
“Ministers must know by now that this is a rapidly growing problem with potentially devastating consequences. Swift action is required.”
A Government spokesperson said: "The SPS food and drink deal will deliver billions for the economy.
"We've already allocated a record £11.8bn to sustainable farming and food production over this parliament and this new deal will offer more opportunities for growth by slashing red tape.
"We have kept businesses informed of the agreed elements of the deal throughout this process and will continue to work with them to ensure a smooth transition".