UK–EU Food And Drink Deal Reportedly Agreed Ahead Of November Summit

A draft UK–EU food and drink agreement has reportedly been agreed ahead of the leaders’ summit on 20 November, prompting fresh warnings from Fresh Produce Consortium chief executive Nigel Jenney about costs for global fresh produce imports.

According to The Grocer, a 200-page draft sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement has been circulated to EU member states for discussion, with an official announcement expected at the summit.

The proposed agreement would remove border checks and certification requirements for agrifood exporters trading with the EU. However, FPC chief executive Nigel Jenney warned that adopting EU requirements for imports from elsewhere could impose more than £300 million in additional annual costs.

“If we adopt the EU’s inspection approach, checks will increase substantially for goods sourced from countries outside the EU,” Jenney told The Grocer.

Protecting Global Supply

FPC’s campaign supports a closer trading relationship with Europe while calling for a sector-specific solution for fresh produce imported from the rest of the world.

Its proposal is to preserve the UK’s existing science-based, risk-based import regime for produce destined for UK consumers, through a long-term derogation from dynamic alignment.

The Consortium says the current regime achieves 99.5% border compliance. It argues that established customs controls, surveillance and food safety protections provide a practical basis for maintaining high standards without introducing disproportionate additional requirements.

Around four million tonnes of fresh produce imported from outside the EU will be affected.

These global supplies provide seasonal availability that complements British and European production, helping maintain consumer choice and reliable access to fresh fruit and vegetables throughout the year.

Costs Beyond The Border

FPC warns that the consequences will extend beyond inspection charges. Delays to highly perishable produce will shorten shelf life, increase waste and undermine supply reliability, with costs ultimately reaching shoppers.

The Consortium also warns that additional burdens will make UK trade less viable for some suppliers and smaller importers, narrowing the country’s supply base.

Its central argument is that supporting British growers, facilitating European trade and protecting trusted global supply chains must work together.

FPC’s industry Action Pack provides campaign evidence and tools to help businesses make their concerns heard.

Explore the Action Pack and support the campaign at freshproduceaction.co.uk.