Farming groups welcome Government’s latest Brexit position paper

The paper highlighted how failure to agree to these principles could affect food traceability, which would require continued oversight by enforcement authorities.

The food chain was also singled out for needing a specific definition of being ‘placed on the market’ because of the length of production cycles and the amount of time certain goods can be held in storage.

Senior business and economics adviser at the CLA Dr Charles Trotman said: “The Government has recognised that disrupting the flow of goods and services between the UK and the EU must be avoided.

Vital

“Providing confidence to both consumers and producers on food labelling regulations, for example, is vital and we will work with the Government to ensure the food and farming sector has access to existing trade arrangements with the EU.”

Dairy UK chief executive Dr Judith Bryans welcomed the Government’s recognition of the importance of agri foods in the paper.

“Businesses need certainty around the legalities associated with ensuring they can continue to trade in goods at the point of Brexit”, she said.

“We will offer the Government every possible assistance in securing arrangements which will minimise disruption to consumers and dairy businesses and will help the UK dairy industry take advantage of the opportunities Brexit may yield.”