In a monumental victory for the UK food industry, the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) has successfully lobbied the government to ease import checks and fees on medium-risk fruit and vegetables from the EU.
The move is expected to have a significant and positive impact on trade in the coming months.
Key Changes:
Delayed Import Checks and Fees: Import checks and associated fees on medium-risk produce have been postponed from January 2025 to July 1, 2025.
Reclassification of Products: Several commodity groups, including apples and pears, have been reclassified from medium to low risk, allowing for free movement from the EU, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
These changes take effect on January 30, 2025.
Industry Jubilant, Cautiously Optimistic
FPC Chief Executive Nigel Jenney expressed delight at the government's responsiveness, stating, "We are delighted that the new government has listened to FPC on behalf of the industry and has proactively adopted many of the changes we have requested."
Jenney highlighted the significance of the delayed border checks and fee waivers, estimating that 80% of fruit and vegetables from Europe will now be exempt from the new border checks.
However, Jenney emphasised that challenges remain, stating, "There's still much more to be done." The industry is calling for fully authorized control points and an effective authorised operator status by July 1, 2025, to minimize costs for both the industry and consumers.
A Call for Continued Collaboration
While celebrating this significant win, the FPC is urging the government to continue working closely with the industry to develop efficient and effective solutions.
Jenney stressed the industry's capability to find solutions that ensure top-quality food at affordable prices. He expressed gratitude for the government's willingness to listen and adopt pragmatic measures proposed by the industry.
“We need control points to be fully authorised and available by 1 July and at the same time we need authorised operator status available and effective by the go-live date, which will minimise the cost to industry and to hard-pressed consumers," continued Jenney.
"In addition, we hope and believe that the new government will begin to dismantle the fundamentally flawed BTOM strategy of the previous government which continues to impact the industry badly in the flower and plant sector. Not only is it eye wateringly expensive, it is simply not sustainable.
"If the previous government had listened to the industry many years ago, we could have a much more effective, border solution without the huge scandalous waste of taxpayers money building Sevington and many other facilities that are unnecessary and unaffordable."
Defra's Commitment
Defra has affirmed its commitment to continued collaboration with the FPC during the phased implementation of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) biosecurity controls, stating: “We will continue to work collaboratively with FPC whilst we implement the phased BTOM biosecurity controls.”
This victory, unmatched by any other trade sector in the UK food and drink industry, underscores the vital role of the sector in "feeding and flowering the nation," as Jenney aptly put it.
FPC's success demonstrates the power of industry advocacy and its potential to shape policies that benefit both businesses and consumers.
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