British government officials were forced to enact manual border clearances after the IT system overseeing immigration processes failed yesterday evening, 5 May.
"The IT system failed yesterday evening (5 May) so manual clearances have been invoked by Government, causing more chaos and delay at the border tonight," said Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium.
"The complexity and confusion at the borders have thrown the flower industry into chaos just as we approach a major selling season," he warns.
The UK's flower industry, already reeling from the impact of newly implemented post-Brexit border checks, faces further turmoil due to a critical IT failure. The technical breakdown is exacerbating delays and threatens to cripple the flow of fresh blooms into the country.
"It's crucial that the government steps in to smooth out the process and ensure that our industry can continue to thrive despite these challenges,"
Detailed inspections and cumbersome paperwork requirements for plant products entering the UK from the EU have caused significant disruptions since their introduction at the start of May. The IT failure has compounded the challenges, slowing down the movement of flowers and increasing costs for growers and importers.
The timing of this breakdown couldn't be worse for the industry, which is gearing up for key sales periods like Mother's Day and the wedding season.  British florists and consumers fear shortages and price hikes as a result.
Industry leaders like Jenney are calling for an urgent review of border procedures. They're pushing for streamlined processes and greater support to help businesses navigate the new regulations. "It's crucial that the government steps in to smooth out the process and ensure that our industry can continue to thrive despite these challenges," Jenney insists.
As the crisis deepens, the future of the UK's flower industry remains uncertain, awaiting a resolution that could restore stability and allow this beautiful sector to blossom once more.