UK manufacturers have slashed their forecasts for growth next year amid fears of a no-deal Brexit, as food and drink output drops in 2020, according to Make UK.
The EU’s recognition of the UK’s organic control bodies has brought welcome relief for producers, but experts have warned uncertainties remain for the future of trade with the single market post 2021.
Trade volume to the EU will drop by up to 75% if more official veterinarians are not hired before the end of the Brexit transition period, according to the heads of the UK’s food and logistics trade unions.
Details of an approved Border Control Post (BCP) at Spalding – furthering Government plans for ten such inland sites to support post-Brexit food import checks – have been revealed by perishable cargo specialist PML.
Ireland’s agriculture minister Charlie McConalogue has raised concerns over the processed meat trade between Northern Ireland (NI) and the UK, after the UK Government proposed a two-way ban.
'Serious concerns' about UK nutrition laws post-Brexit have been raised by a House of Lords committee in a letter addressed to minister of health Edward Argar.
Farmers have welcomed the Agriculture Bill passing into UK law, gaining Royal Assent after more than 100 hours of debate in parliament, claiming the Government has listened to food standards concerns.
A long list of questions about exports to the EU from 1 January 2021 remain unanswered, according to producer body the National Pig Association (NPA), which is calling for 'more urgency' from Government.
Food industry environmental initiatives are being hampered by the financial impact of COVID-19 and uncertainties surrounding the UK's relationship with the EU after the Brexit transition period, according to an industry survey.
Widespread disruption will occur at the end of the Brexit transition period, despite Government work to overhaul systems, infrastructure and resources, according to the National Audit Office (NAO).
Trade bodies have cautiously welcomed the Government’s decision that the existence of the Trade and Agriculture Commission will continue, but have stressed industry involvement is needed in any future trade deals.
Clarity on how fruit, vegetable and flower suppliers will be able to recruit seasonal workers for picking next year has been called for urgently by the National Farmers Union (NFU).