The Prime Minister has confirmed a new agreement with the European Union after extensive negotiations over the last six months.
As part of the deal, a new SPS agreement will make it easier for food and drink to be imported and exported by reducing the red tape that placed burdens on businesses and led to lengthy lorry queues at the border. This agreement will have no time limit, giving vital certainty to businesses.
Some routine checks on animal and plant products will be removed completely, allowing goods to flow freely again, including between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Ultimately this could lower food prices and increase choice on supermarket shelves – meaning more money in people’s pockets.
The EU is the UK’s largest trading partner. After the 21% drop in exports and 7% drop in imports seen since Brexit, the UK will also be able to sell various products.
Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), commented that the comprehensive new UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement is inclusive of plants.
“We have been at the forefront of explaining the vital need for this agreement,” he said. “The current border regime has caused uncertainty and huge costs to our members’ businesses.
“ We are incredibly pleased that the government has made this significant first step to deal with the issues we have continually raised. Whilst we await the details, we anticipate that the agreement should remove the need for unnecessary certification and checks on plants and plant products, which will save the sector millions and cannot come soon enough.
“Environmental horticulture businesses across the UK – from growers and retailers to landscapers and suppliers – have borne the brunt of costly and complex border trade processes and bureaucracy since the UK left the EU. Many have lost business, and all have faced supply chain disruption and rising costs.
“Addressing these impacts and ensuring the needs of our members are prioritised in trade and border policy has long been a priority for us. Today’s statement reflects the influence of the HTA’s sustained efforts, and we are encouraged to see SPS alignment on the agenda.
“The Leaders’ Summit marks an important step towards rebuilding practical, collaborative trade arrangements. The key questions now are the details of the new arrangements and reassurances that plants are not the ‘exceptions’ indicated in the standard text, as well as how quickly they can be implemented.
“We are optimistic about what can be achieved and we will work proactively on behalf of our members to ensure our sector has a strong voice in shaping an outcome that safeguards biosecurity, restores business confidence, and supports long-term competitiveness.”
Grower Jonathan Whittemore, Johnsons Nurseries and chair of the HTA’s Ornamental Management Committee (OMC) commented: “Many growers will welcome the prospect of the removal of friction and burdens associated with cross-border plant trade becoming a reality. Johnsons alone has been hit by the financial and time demands of border checks and certification, which have not boosted our top priority of biosecurity but increased risk, uncertainty and disruption. We are looking forward to the details of what any new SPS arrangement in our sector will mean. We are grateful for the ongoing work of the HTA, which has been the leading voice for horticulture in lobbying for this change.”
Landscaper Dave Strows, Artform Landscapes and chair of the Association of Professional Landscapers Committee, commented: “Landscapers and designers who deliver gardens and green spaces have experienced delays, damaged goods, and increased costs as a result of trade barriers for the plants and materials they need. Any step that reduces the risks and costs cannot come soon enough, and means we can deliver even better gardens for our clients. Many APL members have been sharing their experiences and challenges with the HTA, who have lobbied hard for an SPS agreement; this is a huge achievement for the HTA and APL.”
