‘Cliff Edge’ Warning As Ministers Reject Extra Time For SPS Changes

Ministers have rejected calls to give farmers and food businesses more time to prepare for a future UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal, raising concerns over how the sector will cope with potentially disruptive changes.

The government confirmed it will not pursue a transition period ahead of new arrangements expected from mid-2027, despite warnings that many businesses are already under pressure and may struggle to adapt.

MPs on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee had urged ministers to secure a 24-month adjustment window to ease the shift. However, the government said it would instead “continue to work with them to ensure a smooth transition”.

Committee chair Alistair Carmichael said the decision was a setback for an industry facing mounting challenges.

“It is disappointing… 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,” he said.

“With headwinds already howling in their direction, the sector needs all the help it can get.”

Industry leaders have echoed those concerns, warning the lack of a transition period could increase costs and disruption across the sector.

The NFU said farmers risk facing a “cliff edge scenario” if new rules are introduced too quickly, particularly in areas such as plant protection products and organic standards.

“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,” said Tom Bradshaw, NFU president.

“We need government to take a pragmatic approach and give farmers the time needed to adjust.”

On precision breeding, ministers said the UK intends to retain control over its own regulatory approach, although discussions with the EU are ongoing. The government has already backed innovation in this area, including funding for developments such as nutrient-enhanced crops.

Elsewhere, ministers accepted the need to review how border controls have been implemented, including gathering feedback from traders and port health authorities, and considering compensation for infrastructure investment.

Defra also said it is working to improve public understanding of rules on personal imports of meat and plant products, with survey findings due in May.

Source: Farming UK