UK ag exports face prospect of EU tariffs as no-deal exit in December edges closer

The news came as York University professor Bob Doherty reiterated the importance of getting a UK-EU deal.

Speaking during a Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) seminar on supply chains at the virtual Royal Welsh Show, he said: “We import 30 per cent of our food from the EU, particularly fresh produce from southern Europe and ambient goods from other EU states.

“One of the lessons we need to learn from the pandemic is we need a very good EU trade deal.”

Concerns have also been raised about the readiness of the food sector for a WTO exit.

Prepared

According to a new Institute for Government report, the Covid-19 crisis has left many businesses less prepared now than they were in the months leading up to a potential no-deal in October 2019.

NFU Brexit and international trade director Nick von Westenholz pointed out farmers were in an even trickier place than most because there is not much they can do to prepare.

“The impacts will be down the supply chain, so will be indirect and will primarily come through lower returns caused by extra friction and costs,” he said.

Tightening

“There may also be a tightening of input supplies, so we suggest members make sure they have got sufficient stocks of important inputs.

“But the main advice is to focus on ensuring the business is resilient to withstanding negative effects on the wider economy.”

TFA chairman Mark Coulman also called on the Government to urgently provide more clarity on how farmers can prepare for post-Brexit policy changes.