Government’s Border Gamble Threatens Britain’s Food Supply

The Fresh Produce Consortium has issued a stark warning that the Government’s proposed UK-EU SPS agreement could place Britain’s global food supply under serious strain by shifting new border burdens onto Rest of World imports.

Nigel Jenny, Chief Executive of Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC)

While the agreement has been presented as a way to reduce trade friction with the EU, FPC says the reality for fresh produce businesses is far more complex. The organisation warns that the deal risks easing certain EU trade flows while imposing more draconian EU-style controls on global supply chains that are essential to keeping UK shelves stocked all year round.

According to FPC analysis, up to four million tonnes of imported goods – around half of UK fresh produce imports – could fall within the scope of expanded controls. These could include increased inspections, additional phytosanitary certification, expanded pre-notification requirements, extra reporting and compliance systems, post-import checks and operational delays.

FPC argues that these measures are being imposed despite the UK already operating a risk-based SPS system that achieves 99.5% compliance across around 40,000 consignments annually. Under the proposed approach, an estimated 120,000 annual consignments could become subject to potential physical inspection at the UK border, with some goods facing 100% inspection.

The organisation says the impact on perishable produce could be severe. Products such as citrus, mangoes, blueberries, sweet potatoes, peppers and many more rely on speed, precision and predictable border processes. Delays are not simply an administrative inconvenience; they can reduce shelf life, damage quality, increase waste and disrupt availability.

FPC estimates the additional burden on the sector at more than £300 million, covering government fees, certification costs, logistics, spoilage and investment in new reporting systems. It warns that these costs will move through the supply chain and ultimately land on consumers, adding further pressure to food prices.

The consortium is not opposing pragmatic improvements to UK–EU trade, but says any solution must also protect Rest of World supply chains. It is calling for urgent government engagement with the fresh produce sector and for an evidence-based alternative that supports EU and global trade simultaneously.

FPC is urging businesses across the supply chain to communicate directly to government before the window to influence the outcome closes.

Read the full press statement and supporting documentation here.