Brexit border disruption could see British poultry breeding companies relocate

“But if it does not work, it is another push for the breeding companies to look at basing operations outside of the UK.

“We are talking about penalising a British success story and potentially driving those companies out of the country, simply because of logistics.”

In a new consultation on Operation Brock, the Government’s plan to avoid disruption at the border, Ministers acknowledged the welfare issues associated with moving day-old chicks and suggested they could be prioritised.

But some industry bodies fear the new Smart Freight IT system to manage traffic, which requires any business driving a lorry to Dover or the Eurotunnel to log their vehicle and load details ahead of time, may run into trouble.

Problem

Shane Brennan, chief executive of the Cold Chain Federation, said: “The aim is to stop vehicles going to the border which are not ready to go through. But the problem is, the IT system has not been built yet.

“That is the case for about five different IT systems which need to be in place at different stages, whether it is January 1, April 1 or July 1.”

Even if the IT does work, there is a further risk that many European hauliers may not be prepared when the new rules come into place.

It is estimated that at least 80 per cent of the vehicles which move between the UK and mainland Europe are European-registered, so less likely to engage with a UK system for managing vehicles on UK roads.