Retailers press for clarity on feed and beef imports

Retailers are urging the UK government to act more swiftly and fully implement new regulations restricting imports of certain feed products from deforested areas of the globe.

The UK Forest Risk Commodity Regulation (UKFRC) covers imports of beef, cocoa, palm oil and soya, and could result in higher feed prices for livestock producers if supplies are more restricted.

However, secondary legislation is still required in order for the UKFRC to become law.

See also: EU proposes delay to deforestation regulations on feed

Eight major UK supermarkets sent an open letter on 7 July to government asking for effective legislation to be set.

The letter said: “It is concerning that almost four years after the Environment Act 2021 became law, successive UK governments have failed to enact the necessary secondary legislation to put its deforestation provisions into effect.

“This delay has left UK businesses in limbo; uncertain, and unable to fully respond to these challenges.”

Retailers also called on the UK government to align closer with EU deforestation regulations and suggested that a market-level requirement would offer the most efficient and cost-effective way of maintaining EU market access and deforestation-free supply chains.

The food supply chain and agricultural industry has already been working towards a voluntary commitment to only import soya from deforestation-free areas, as part of the UK Soy Manifesto.

Delays to EU regulations

EU deforestation regulations were initially due to be imposed in 2024 and have been pushed back until 30 December 2025.

There is potential for the EU legislation to be delayed further into 2026, after the European Parliament voted on 9 July to reject a proposed classification list of deforestation risk countries.

Alexander Bernhuber, MEP, who tabled the objection on behalf of the European People’s Party, said: “The Commission’s list misrepresents the situation in many countries and creates unnecessary burdens for farmers, foresters and industry.”

Any delays to the EU timeline to introduce its deforestation regulations may also impact the UK, as both the UK and EU try to align more closely on trade.