Food Sector Urges Transition Period for Post-Brexit Rules Realignment
British food industry representatives have called on the government to implement a transition period if it agrees to realign post-Brexit agriculture regulations with the European Union. Industry groups warn that aligning standards overnight would create a "cliff edge" scenario, potentially costing UK businesses between £500 million and £810 million annually due to regulatory divergence since Brexit.
Divergence in Pesticide Approvals
UK and EU approvals for pesticides and herbicides have significantly diverged since Brexit, complicating any rapid realignment of agricultural rules. For instance, Britain has permitted four new pesticides and herbicides for farm use that remain in the approval process within the EU. This regulatory split has created substantial challenges for cross-border trade and agricultural practices.
Industry Warnings and Economic Impact
David Bench, chief executive of Croplife, a trade organisation representing the agrichemical sector, emphasised the potential consequences of abrupt regulatory changes. "If we do not have a transition period, it would have very damaging consequences," Bench stated. "The impact of a 'cliff-edge scenario' on British growers could be devastating. At a time of increasing pressure on farm profitability, this could prove a tipping point for many farmers and growers."
The parliamentary trade select committee has highlighted the broader economic impact of post-Brexit red tape, estimating additional costs of £8.4 billion to the UK economy. Goods trade has declined by 18% compared to five years ago, with food and drink exports experiencing a more severe 24% reduction.
Specific Agricultural Concerns
The National Farmers' Union (NFU) has raised specific concerns about British agricultural products becoming unsellable in EU markets. British oats used in cereals, snack bars, meatballs, and veggie burgers face particular risks because UK farmers have been permitted to use certain fungicides not yet approved by the EU over the past five years.
If a new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement were to take effect on 1 January 2027, crops grown in 2026 under British regulations but still stored in grain facilities in 2027 would become ineligible for EU markets, according to NFU analysis.
Technical Talks and Industry Frustration
Concerns emerge as the EU and UK commence technical discussions on a new SPS agreement, one of the key objectives established during the "reset" summit between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen last May. Initial talks between British and EU officials began in London recently, aiming to reduce Brexit-related paperwork for both parties.
Industry representatives have expressed frustration about limited government engagement on these critical issues. Farming leaders complain of insufficient consultation, with some fearing that the government has prioritised confidentiality over meaningful dialogue with sector experts.
Transport and Logistics Challenges
The practical difficulties of post-Brexit regulations extend beyond agricultural production to transportation and logistics. One transport executive described Brexit paperwork as "pure hell," recounting an instance where a truck was detained for 27 days in Calais due to incorrect certificates for frozen beef cargo.
Research Findings and Recommendations
The Andersons Centre, commissioned by Croplife to assess the costs of realigning with EU regulations, noted in its report that the UK "has maintained equivalent legal, scientific, and technical standards to the EU, as it adopted EU legislation wholesale following EU exit." However, subsequent divergence in regulatory decisions has created significant implementation challenges.
Croplife and the NFU have jointly advocated for any regulatory realignment to be phased in over at least one year, mirroring the approach taken during the initial Brexit implementation, though preferably over a longer timeframe to minimise disruption to agricultural businesses and supply chains.
